Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said the agitations for the secession in the South East region are not legitimate.
Kalu who spoke at a meeting with the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo also canvassed a regional network in security, economic, political and infrastructural integration policies to develop the region.
Recently, insecurity has taken its toll on the economic growth of the South East states since the resumed agitations for secession.
Although, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has been in detention, every Monday, the people of the region are forced to sit at home, leading to loss of billions of naira.
TVC News reported that barely two weeks ago, the region hosted an economic and security summit to address the challenges facing the zone.
Insecurity, which has led to loss of lives and property, and its attendant economic losses put conservatively at N5.38 trillion between August 2021 and December 2022, remains the major problem.
The concern of both parties is how to reposition the zone to regain its vibrant and economic success.
The Deputy Speaker was also quick to restate the commitment of the South East to the Nigerian project.
He said legitimate calls for justice and equity should be separated from criminal activities in the name of secession
He, therefore, called for the formalisation of the Igbo apprenticeship system and communalism to rekindle love, unity and togetherness among the people of the region.
