The Order of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) has called on the Federal Government to introduce genuine socio-economic programmes and policies that would quickly address the ravaging economic hardship in the country before it spirals out of hand.

The call is contained In the Christmas message to Nigerians by the Supreme Subordinate (National) President, Nigeria (SSP) of Knights of St John International (KSJI), Maj. Gen. (Prof) Remy Uche, who expressed fear that the situation may persist in 2024 with its dire consequences.

The message, endorsed by the Chief of Staff to the SSP, Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu, warned that the current economic situation, if not arrested quickly, would be inimical to national security.

The Nigerian KSJI leader noted that Nigeria’s precarious economic situation worsened with the increase in pump prices of petroleum products and devaluation of the naira, among others.

“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,” the statement read in part.

Prof. Uche expressed fears that unless the government acts fast, “the possible dire consequences of the current economic hardship in the country,” may “persist in the incoming year.” He therefore “advised government to do everything humanly possible to get the country out of the woods as soon as possible.”

Sir Anueyiagu quoted his principal as saying 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 message further read: “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 Faculty of Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), expressed fear of the possible dire consequences of the situation and advised government to take urgent steps to ameliorate the current hash condition of living.

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

The SSP implored members of the KSJI 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 demands extending charity to the needy in the society, including Christians and people of other faith.

He advised every Nigerian to use the opportunity of the season to show love to one another by tolerating the inadequacies of others and religious differences.