Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has outlined key steps the South East must take to aid the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Speaking in Aba during the inauguration of several projects executed by Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Umahi—who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event—stressed that the region must remain law-abiding and appreciative as efforts toward achieving a political resolution progress.
His remarks came amid growing optimism over Kanu’s possible release. Governor Otti, while addressing the gathering, expressed confidence that President Tinubu is “favourably disposed” to resolving the issue.
“I can assure you that I am engaging with Mr. President, and he is favourably disposed to it. I’m confident that in no distant future, Nnamdi Kanu will regain his freedom,” Otti stated.
Echoing similar sentiments, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) made a public appeal to President Tinubu during the event, urging him to grant Kanu’s release in the interest of lasting peace in the region.
“Mr. President has done so much for us, but there is one thing left; please, release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu so we can have absolute peace in the South East,” Abaribe said, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
In his response, Umahi reiterated the importance of unity and lawful conduct among the people of the South East.
“The governors of the South East, our senators, House of Representatives members, and ministers, including those outside the region, are seriously working on a political solution. But we must be law-abiding and appreciative. The President has love for the South East and is listening,” he said.
Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja since June 2021 following his controversial extradition from Kenya. Despite several court rulings and a United Nations advisory opinion calling for his release, the federal government has continued to detain him over treason-related charges.
