The Order of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) have expressed fear of possible dire consequences if the current economic hardship in the country persists in the incoming year.
In a statement signed by Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu, Chief of Staff to the Supreme Subordinate President on behalf of the group, they advised the government to do everything humanly possible to get the country out of the woods as soon as possible.
The statement reads: “Following the increasing widespread severe economic hardship and income poverty conditions in Nigeria, occasioned by inflation, high exchange rate of the country’s currency in the international market, and the vertical rise of the pump prices of refined petroleum products, the Supreme Subordinate (National) President, Nigeria (SSP), Knights of St John International (KSJI), Maj. Gen. (Prof) Remy Uche, has made a suggestion to the government to introduce genuine socio-economic programmes and policies that will quickly address the ravaging situation early next year.
“Prof. Uche’s suggestion was contained in his Christmas message to the country.
“He said that following the current economic hardship in the country, the situation now required the making of serious economic planning to take sufficient measures that would urgently bring about great improvement and tremendous leap out of the situation.
“The KSJI Supreme Subordinate President of the KSJI in Nigeria noted that the hardship became deteriorated months ago when a new regime of the pump prices of the refined petroleum products emerged and has not improved yet.
“He said that a situation where even the average person in the country finds it so difficult to feed was not healthy.
“Maj. Gen. (Prof) Uche who is also the dean of the Facility of Engineering at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), expressed fear of the possible dire consequences of the situation and advised the government to take urgent steps to ameliorate the current harsh conditions of living.
“He said the situation could be inimical to national peace and tranquility, as it is capable of evoking implosion or avoidable nationwide uprising, hence the government should take a fast approach to saving the condition.
“The SSP implored members of the KSJI, male and female, in the country to always demonstrate good citizenship and lead life worthy of emulation.
“He urged them to also lead a life of charity as the Christmas season entails or demands by doing charity to the needy in the society and to Muslims and the people of other Faith outside Christianity.
“Prof. advised every Nigerian to use the opportunity of the season to show love to one another by tolerating the inadequacies of others and religion differences.”
