A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Prince Paul Ikonne, has expressed confidence that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, will regain his freedom without interference from opposition politicians seeking to exploit his situation for political gain.

Ikonne made this assertion while addressing a large gathering of Ukwa la Ngwa youths who paid him a courtesy visit on Friday.

He accused political leaders of attempting to score cheap political points with recent remarks about Kanu’s detention instead of focusing on governance and accountability.

Ikonne also faulted the Abia State Government’s handling of major projects, questioning the alleged ₦54 billion “Smart School” and ₦6 billion “Recreational Centre” said to have been executed by the Otti administration.

“If truly these projects exist, why were they not commissioned during the governor’s recent showcase of some rehabilitated roads? Why does every report from Abia Government House end up as social media content with no evidence on the ground?” he queried.

He further claimed that the government’s quarterly performance reports contained “disturbing figures,” alleging that funds were being written off for untraceable projects despite the state receiving over ₦30 billion monthly from federal allocations and internally generated revenue.

Describing the government as “one of repainting and rebranding old structures while claiming new achievements,” Ikonne said Abians were now more discerning and would no longer be deceived by “photo opportunities or cosmetic projects.”

He urged Abia youths to remain vigilant and demand accountability from their leaders, emphasizing that “no amount of propaganda can replace genuine performance.”

The APC stalwart commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining financial support to state governments and implementing policies to stabilize the economy.

He, however, lamented that the Abia State Government had failed to translate such federal support into tangible development for its people.