KSJI Urges Leaders to Welcome Constructive Views
The Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary (KSJI), Nigeria, has urged President Bola Tinubu and other national leaders to create room for constructive contributions from religious leaders and other stakeholders in addressing the country’s challenges.
The appeal was contained in an open letter to the President following controversy over the recent visit of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) to the Presidency in Abuja.
The KSJI expressed concern over what it described as the political and partisan interpretation given to the bishops’ visit by some presidential spokespersons, saying the development had generated unnecessary controversy.
The Catholic bishops had met with President Tinubu to express concerns over insecurity, economic hardship, democracy and the conduct of elections in the country.
In the letter signed by Sir Peter Osamgbi, Chairman of the KSJI Strategic Communication Committee, the organisation said religious institutions should be allowed to raise concerns about national issues without being labelled as political opponents.
It argued that the intervention of a respected religious body on issues affecting citizens does not amount to political opposition or justify attributing partisan motives to its position.
The KSJI called on political leaders to view constructive criticism and contributions from religious and other stakeholders as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s challenges and strengthen national development.
