Chimezie Anaso
Awka – The Knights of Saint Mulumba (KSM) of the Catholic Church in Nigeria have called on politicians and political parties to campaign on issues that address national challenges rather than overheating the polity.
Bro, Diamond Ovueraye, Supreme Knight of the Order, made the call at a media conference heralding the 39th Annual Supreme Convention in Awka on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 500 delegates from across the country were expected to be part of the convention.
Ovueraye urged Nigerians to discern and vote for those that would heal and unite the nation, adding that this is an era in which everyone should participate.
“We are in the midst of intractable insecurity, raging ethno-religious conflicts, poverty, palpable injustice, dilapidated infrastructure, worsening unemployment and ailing economy.
“Nigeria is now charged with politics, we are all experiencing heightened political activities as the candidates of the various political parties have emerged and campaigns have started.
“Your vote is your power, so we challenge Nigerians to seek out and vote those politicians who command the qualities best suited to unify and grow our country, rather than further divide us.
“People that can heal the wounds of our nation as opposed to deepening its injuries, and to secure for the next generation a legacy of choices based on informed awareness,” he said.
The knights maintained their stand against rape, domestic violence, same sex marriage and a strong commitment to uphold the sanctity of human life as contained their pro-life charter.
“We applaud gallant Nigerian soldiers out there in the cold and rugged conditions of the Sambisa forest and other flash points.
“We commiserate with families of those who have lost their lives and pray for the repose of their souls,” he said.
The Supreme Knight described KSM as an association of practicing Catholic men, willing to volunteer their time, treasure and talent for the service of God, the Church and their fellow men.
He said they work hard to strengthen the spirituality of members and the economic welfare of those around them, through medical missions and reaching out to the poor.
“We hope to achieve this by improving on our administrative and finance systems, embarking on projects that will bring honour to the Order and generate funds to support our finances, the church and the needy.
“We believe that by rekindling the fire of brotherhood and sisterhood, improving our spirituality and embracing discipline, we can reposition the Order,” he said.
The convention with the theme, “Deepening Christian Spirituality for Peace: Trends, Prospects and Challenges” will officially commence on Nov. 30 and end on Dec. 2. (NAN)
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