By George Ozalla
His Excellency, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, paid a visit on Saturday to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Sokoto State. The visit aimed to encourage the IPOB leader and assure him of sustained efforts to secure his freedom.
During the meeting, Governor Otti urged Kanu to remain calm yet resolute, noting that engagements he initiated over two years ago had intensified despite recent developments. He assured the IPOB leader that the matter would be addressed administratively and that his eventual release remained a priority.
The Governor expressed satisfaction that the Sultan of Sokoto shared his view on the importance of Kanu’s freedom and the need to de-escalate tensions in the region. On a lighter note, Otti informed Kanu that the Sultan had jokingly remarked that Kanu was now his subject and that he intended to Turbane him, prompting laughter from the IPOB leader.
Mazi Kanu, appearing in high spirits, thanked Governor Otti for the visit and noted that he was not surprised by the Governor’s prompt attention, having received similar gestures from him in the past. He commended Governor Otti for his achievements in Abia State, comparing them to the legacy of the late Dee Sam Mbakwe in the former Imo State, and encouraged the Governor to continue his service to the people with diligence.
The IPOB leader also emphasized his interest in good governance and initiatives that improve the lives of citizens, praying for divine guidance for the Governor and his team in their duties.
Governor Otti was accompanied by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, and senior officials from the Sokoto State government. Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, was also present.
Historically, Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, was first arrested in 2015 and faced multiple charges related to treasonable felony and incitement. After a prolonged legal battle, he was convicted and sentenced, drawing national and international attention to his case and fueling debates on governance, federal authority, and regional autonomy in Nigeria.
