By Nwabueze Okonkwo

Abia State indigenes residing in Anambra have called on Governor Dr. Alex Otti to take the lead in campaigning for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

They believe this will help ease the ongoing security challenges in the Southeast region.

The call was made during the end-of-year gathering of Abia State indigenes at Divine Hotel, Housing Estate, Fegge, Onitsha, where Comrade Damian Ogudike, President of the Abia State Indigenes in Anambra, and Bishop (Dr.) Innocent Chidi, President of the Abia Ministers’ Forum in Anambra, addressed the media.

Bishop Chidi emphasized that Governor Otti, being from Abia State, is in a unique position to lead this campaign. He urged Otti to reach out to other Southeast governors to unite in advocating for Kanu’s release, stressing that the Governor should take this as a priority to reduce the region’s security challenges. Chidi also praised Otti’s progress in the state’s infrastructural development and urged him to ensure the timely payment of civil servants’ wages, pensions, and a consistent improvement in education.

Comrade Ogudike, in his remarks, noted that Kanu should not be blamed for the insecurity in the Southeast, which he attributed to political figures and their hired thugs. He also commended Otti for taking bold actions to dismantle terrorist networks in Abia, including the demolition of a market harboring criminals. Ogudike further urged Otti to continue focusing on security and workers’ welfare to avoid conflicts with the state’s workforce.

The group also called on Otti to expedite the completion of the Abia Government House in Umuahia, emphasizing that the state cannot continue to be run from rented or private accommodations.

Bishop Chidi reiterated the urgency of Kanu’s release, particularly ahead of the upcoming Christmas season, as many believe that his continued detention fuels the insecurity in the region. He also acknowledged Otti’s efforts in curbing crime, including dismantling the notorious Lokpanta Cattle Market where human remains and kidnapped victims were found.

Other leaders of the Abia Indigenes Forum, including Ndubuisi Anyanacho, Engr. Enyinna Onyekwere, and Prince Obiagwu Omenuko, also voiced their support for Kanu’s release and called for unity in tackling the region’s security issues. They stressed that the insecurity in the Southeast was not caused by Kanu but by political instability and the manipulation of security forces by local politicians.

The indigenes expressed their continued support for Governor Otti’s leadership and urged him to prioritize security, good governance, and the release of Nnamdi Kanu to foster peace and stability in the region.