By Peter Omopo
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has clarified that his recent visit to the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Centre was driven by the need for dialogue and peace, and not by any political ambition.
The governor made the clarification on Friday at the Government House in Umuahia while receiving the leadership of the Abia Diaspora Commission and members of the medical team for the Abia Global Medical Mission 2025.
Otti was responding to criticisms and speculations circulating on social media following his visit to Kanu, including a viral video in which a commentator questioned the motive behind the engagement. He said the differing views expressed were part of a democratic society and should not be misconstrued as facts.
The governor dismissed claims that his actions were linked to any future political aspirations, stressing that he had no intention of contesting any elective office after completing his tenure as governor.
He reiterated that he has no presidential, vice-presidential, or senatorial ambitions, noting that he came into office with a clear mission and would step aside after delivering on his mandate to allow younger people to take over.
Otti also rejected suggestions connecting his visit to an “Igbo presidency,” describing such arguments as baseless and founded on false assumptions. He said his name would not appear on any future ballot and emphasised the importance of knowing when to leave public office.
On the issue of Nnamdi Kanu, the governor explained that his engagement was part of efforts he initiated about two years ago at the highest levels to find a peaceful resolution to the matter. He said visiting Kanu was appropriate, given that he is an indigene of Abia State, specifically Umuahia North Local Government Area.
While noting that Kanu’s case is still before the courts, Otti maintained that there remains room for administrative engagement alongside the judicial process. He emphasised that advocating dialogue does not equate to supporting the disintegration of Nigeria.
The governor reaffirmed his longstanding opposition to Operation Python Dance, recalling that he had criticised the military operation in his previous writings. He added that some claims attributed to Kanu, including alleged calls for mutiny, could not be independently verified by him.
Otti stressed that conflicts are best resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation, noting that wars often end at the negotiating table. He described himself as an advocate of peaceful engagement, insisting that seeking dialogue should not be misconstrued as weakness or insensitivity to the rule of law.
He further addressed the country’s broader security challenges, warning that criminal elements have exploited the situation to perpetrate violence against innocent citizens. Otti assured that his administration would continue to pursue peace while responding firmly to acts of violence.
According to him, the Abia State Government remains committed to ensuring safety and stability, adding that while dialogue remains central to his approach, any attempt to disrupt peace in the state would be confronted decisively and responsibly.
