Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has confirmed that governors of the South-East are in active discussions with the Federal Government over the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. Speaking during his monthly media interaction in Umuahia, Otti disclosed that the region’s leaders are working behind the scenes to secure Kanu’s freedom, adding that while assurances have been given, the details are not for public consumption. He emphasized that as Kanu’s governor, he is personally committed to seeing him return home.
Beyond the Kanu matter, Otti stressed that his administration is prioritizing security across Abia State as the year draws to a close. He commended security agencies for maintaining relative peace but urged residents to remain vigilant during the ember months, which are often associated with higher crime rates. According to him, government efforts will be more effective if citizens actively provide information that could aid law enforcement agencies.
On education, the governor expressed concern over increasing cases of school vandalism involving some youths in the state. To address this, he announced plans to recruit four security staff for each school, who will resume duty in the coming weeks. He explained that the move is part of broader efforts to safeguard public infrastructure and curb youth involvement in destructive activities.
Otti also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects and disclosed that President Bola Tinubu will visit Abia next Friday to inaugurate several completed roads in Aba. He added that the reconstruction of the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene federal road will commence in the coming weeks, further boosting connectivity in the state.
On the contentious issue of land compensation for the Abia Airport project, the governor admitted lapses in the process. He explained that some genuine landowners had been left out of payments due to omissions, while others had not completed the required documentation. Additionally, the contractor mistakenly acquired land not originally marked, but the error has since been corrected. Otti assured that outstanding payments are being processed to resolve the matter.
The governor concluded by reaffirming his administration’s achievements across security, education, and infrastructure, while assuring residents that more projects are underway. He reiterated his call for collective responsibility, urging Abians to support government efforts with vigilance and cooperation, particularly as the state navigates the ember months.
