Governor Otti Explains Visit to Nnamdi Kanu as a “Responsibility to Pursue Peace”

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has detailed the motivation behind his recent controversial visit to detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, framing it as an essential act of leadership and conflict resolution.

Speaking at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia on Friday, Governor Otti disclosed that his efforts to address the situation began much earlier. “Exactly 24 months ago, I opened up discussions at the highest level on Nnamdi Kanu,” he revealed.

A Commitment to Dialogue Over Inaction
The governor explained that visiting Kanu, an indigene of Umuahia North Local Government Area, was a necessary step. “There are always ways to solve a problem. I don’t believe the way to solve a problem is to ignore it,” Otti stated, emphasizing dialogue as a crucial tool. He clarified that while he respects the judicial process, he believes in utilizing all available administrative avenues for intervention and peace-building.

Condemning Violence, Advocating for a Citizen
Governor Otti was explicit about his stance on national unity and his rejection of violence. He affirmed that he does not support the disintegration of Nigeria and has consistently condemned violent methods of addressing grievances, including the military’s Operation Python Dance, which he publicly criticized in the past.

His visit, he stressed, was driven by a duty of care. “It would be insensitive of me to sit here and say that one of our own should die when there is an opportunity to discuss, negotiate, and sue for peace,” Otti said.

He concluded that his intervention is ultimately guided by conscience, leadership responsibility, and the pursuit of lasting peace, rather than any political calculation.