Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has called on the people of the South East to remain peaceful and cooperative as discussions progress over the possible release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Umahi made the appeal in Aba, Abia State, during the commissioning of multiple projects executed by Governor Alex Otti. The event was attended by top government officials, with Umahi representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He noted that efforts are ongoing to secure Kanu’s freedom through a political process, stressing that unity and lawfulness within the region are vital to achieving success.

“The governors, senators, and ministers from the South East — including those outside the region — are working together to find a political solution. But we must remain law-abiding and appreciative. President Tinubu has love for the South East and is listening,” Umahi said.

Governor Otti, in his remarks, expressed optimism that President Tinubu’s administration is ready to resolve the matter. “I have been engaging with Mr. President, and he is favourably disposed to the issue. I’m confident that in no distant time, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will regain his freedom,” Otti said.

Also speaking at the event, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) appealed directly to President Tinubu to release the IPOB leader, saying it would help restore lasting peace in the region. “The President has done a lot for us, but there’s one thing left — please release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu so that peace can return fully to the South East,” Abaribe told the cheering crowd.

Kanu has been in detention at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja since June 2021, following his controversial extradition from Kenya. Despite multiple court rulings and international appeals urging his release, the federal government has continued to hold him, citing pending charges of treason and other offences.

Umahi’s comments and the renewed optimism from South East leaders have rekindled hopes that a political resolution could soon bring an end to Kanu’s long detention and ease tensions in the region.