The Knights of St. John’s International (KSJI), Supreme Subordinate President, Nigeria (SSPN), Prof.(Sir) Remy Uche has enjoined Christians in Nigeria, to endure whatever human-made religious biases currently against them and show example by extending the spirit of real love, happiness and tolerance for one another, and to people of other religion or faith in the country.
Sir Uche made the submission in his Christmas and New Year message signed by his Chief of Staff, Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu.
According to Sir Uche, tolerance among religious faithful would create the elusive convivial atmosphere that would encourage, breed peace and tranquillity, as well as eliminate mutual suspicions that tend to create unnecessary conflict among the citizens because of religion differences and intolerance.
He further noted that mutual suspicion arising from religious issues, especially intolerance, due to lack of respect, love and happiness among the people of different regions, cultures and ways had been a major factor in the lingering crisis between mainly Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.
The Supreme Subordinate President Nigeria (SSPN) of KSJI, emphasised that the season of Christmas shouldn’t be a period for conflicts and religion intolerance but should rather a time to demonstrate the core values of Christ to advance the cause of peace, justice, fairness and return to tranquillity and orderliness.
He encouraged Christians, particularly members of the Order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI) to find time during the season to invite their Muslim neighbours and friends to their homes and places of worship to celebrate the Christmas, as a bold step towards closing the yawning gap.
The Supreme Subordinate President, Nigeria (SSPN), condemned the various religion orchestrating violence in many parts of the country and called for seizure of such hostilities which he described as unnecessary things that lead to no development but perfidy.
“Better placed persons in the society should look at the direction of the weak and vulnerable in the society. The haves among the KSJI members should care for their less fortune fellow knights and ladies, some of whom suddenly found themselves in their current pitiable condition due to being victims of poverty, death of their spouses, being thrown out of jobs and so many other genuine reasons”, Sir Uche admonished.
Expressing hope that the future would be brighter for the people of God through God’s intervention, he expressed gratitude to the KSJI members in Nigeria for the overwhelming confidence they gave him to lead the Nigerian Commandery in its post-crisis era.
He therefore, emphasised the importance of maintaining discipline in the Order, irrespective of status.