TheCable

The Order of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) has asked the federal government to tackle the current economic hardship “as soon as possible”.

In a Christmas message issued on Monday by Abuchi Anueyiagu, his chief of staff, Remy Uche, supreme subordinate (national) president of KSJI, expressed fear the consequences of the current economic hardship in the country would persist in 2024.

He advised the government to introduce genuine socio-economic programmes and policies that would quickly address the situation.

Uche who is also the dean of the faculty of engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) added that the high cost of living now requires serious economic planning that would urgently bring about “great improvement and a tremendous leap out of the situation”.

He lamented that the hardship worsened months ago when a new regime came into place and enacted new economic policies.

He added that the new policies are yet to improve the standard of living of citizens, noting that a situation where an average person in the country finds it difficult to feed, is not healthy.

“The situation could be inimical to national peace and tranquillity, as it is capable of evoking implosion or avoidable nationwide uprising, hence government should take a fast approach to saving the condition,” the statement reads.

The professor also urged Christians in the country to always demonstrate good citizenship and lead lives worthy of emulation.

He asked them to show charity to the needy in society, including Muslims and persons of other faiths in the spirit of Christmas celebration.

Uche implored all Nigerians to use the opportunity of the yuletide to show love to one another by tolerating the inadequacies of others and religious differences.