By Rotimi Ojomoyela
Ado-Ekiti — Catholic Bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have urged President Bola Tinubu and tax authorities to give Nigerians, particularly vulnerable citizens, sufficient time to adjust to the ongoing tax reforms before enforcing strict compliance.
The bishops made the call in a communiqué jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Province, Most Rev. ‘Leke Gabriel Abegunrin and Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola, following their provincial meeting at the Jubilee Conference Centre, Ibadan.
While expressing support for the Federal Government’s renewed efforts to tackle rising criminality, including banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency, the bishops emphasized that fairness, transparency, and accountability must guide the implementation of tax reforms. They warned that poor communication, misinformation, and abrupt enforcement could undermine public trust during economic hardship.
“The ongoing tax reforms have generated controversies across the country despite efforts to explain their merits and benefits for the poor and less privileged,” the communiqué stated. “We urge the government to give the reforms a human face and allow citizens the latitude to adapt before strict enforcement.”
The bishops also called on authorities at all levels of government to sustain the momentum in combating insecurity through courageous policies, adequate funding, proper equipping of security agencies, collaboration with internal and external partners, and continuous public education.
They stressed the importance of equal application of the law, stating: “All Nigerians must unite to reestablish security, peace, and safety. Life and property are sacred, and the law must apply without fear or favour.”
The communiqué reflects the Church’s dual focus on protecting citizens’ welfare and supporting government efforts to strengthen national security and governance.
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