By Ignatius Ushie
The former Minister if transportation and two time Governor of Rivers state and Minister-designate Rt. Hon Rotimi Amaechi has been promoted to the highest rank in the Catholic Church under the order of the Knights of St. John.
The Exemplification honour of the Knights of St. John from Grand Master, Nigerian Temple Noble and Exalted Knights of the Holy Cross Knight of St. John International was conferred on the former Transportation Minister for his service to the Order and humanity for over 20 years at the Pope John Paul II Catholic Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Monsignor Kenneth Enang in charge of the Pope John II Catholic Centre explained that the promotion was premised on his support towards the growth of the Catholic church.
According to him, “We want to thank you Knights of St John, all the other Knights, college of knights for the work you are doing for the church, for support we get from the Knights in many areas not only the financial support but the moral support.
“The Knights of St Colombo’s built the seminary we have now at Kuje when Cardinal Ekandem was alive and many of the Knights have built churches and handed over to the church. We ask God to bless you and your good works and let your labours not be in vain.”
An elated Amaechi who is a committed Catholic and a member of the Knights expressed joy for the promotion.
“For our leaders, our grand master here present thinking that we are qualified, my friend Collyns and Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, we are very grateful and happy for considering us worthy of this great position. Thank you and God bless you.” Ameachi said. Among those promoted is the former Minister of Science and Technology and a Minister designate, Dr. Ogbonaya Onu.
