• Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Others Extol Doyin Abiola’s Virtues
The Bishop of the Lagos Mainland Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. Akinpelu Johnson, has called on the Federal Government to ease the tax burden on Nigerians, warning that continued pressure through taxation could cripple the country’s economy.

Johnson, who spoke at the funeral service of Dr. Mrs. Doyinsola Abiola at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos on Friday, expressed concern over some government policies that continue to squeeze the masses.

He stated that Nigerians were already dealing with high cost of living, worsening inflation, and inadequate social support systems, stressing that the last thing they need is an excessive tax regime that increases their burden.

He added that if the government continues to implement tax policies that do not take into account the realities of daily life, particularly rising food prices, it would only deepen poverty and economic despair.

Johnson noted that despite assurances from the government that food prices were coming down, the experiences of Nigerians reflect the opposite.

He noted that while the democratic experiment had been realised on paper, the lived reality for many Nigerians still falls far short of expectations, adding that the sacrifices of the past now seem undermined by the persistent hardships faced by citizens, which calls for sincere reflection by those in authority.

The bishop decried the worsening state of insecurity across the country, pointing out that kidnapping has now become a lucrative enterprise, which thrives in the absence of effective state control.

He stated that beyond the trauma it causes, it exposes the inefficiencies in the country’s security architecture, stressing that security operatives themselves were under pressure and struggling despite their commitment to duty.

He said the issue of corruption has been so deep-rooted that it now seems to have become an asset of the nation.

According to him, the pervasiveness of corrupt practices has eroded public trust in both political and religious institutions. The church, he said, was not exempt from this decay, warning that it must be urgently addressed if national healing would begin.

Johnson acknowledged the steps that have been taken to address some of the issues, but maintained that there was a need for deeper realignment, especially among the political class and institutions of governance.

He urged those in leadership to refocus on the needs of the people and re-evaluate policies that may be doing more harm than good.

While honouring the memory of the late Dr. Doyin Abiola, Johnson recalled her faith, her contributions to society, and the spiritual journey that began for her at St. Paul’s Church.

He said she was someone who had remained committed to her values and left a legacy that should inspire others.

In her tribute, former Minister of Industry, Dr. Onikepo Akande, described Abiola as a trailblazer and a pride to Nigerian journalism.

She recounted their longstanding friendship since their days at Queen’s College, noting that her passing was not only a loss to her family but also to the country.

She added that Abiola was a woman who touched many lives positively through her career and personal values. She prayed for the family to have the grace and fortitude to bear what she described as an irreplaceable loss.

The funeral service was attended by prominent personalities including the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; and The Publisher and Chairman of The Guardian, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru.

Also present were the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, and several other dignitaries from both the public and private sectors.

They all extolled the late Abiola’s virtues, especially her sacrifice for democracy.