The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has asked the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to retract its Easter message and offer a public apology.
CAN made this known in a statement issued by its National Director of National Issues and Social Welfare, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd), on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
The FIRS’ Easter message read: “Jesus paid your debt, not your taxes.”
CAN, however, described the Easter message as “offensive and derogatory” to the Christian faith, saying it threatened Nigeria’s unity and undermined respect among diverse religious groups.
The association said: “The Easter message by FIRS does not only threaten Nigeria’s delicate fabric of unity but also undermines the efforts of many Nigerians working towards fostering mutual respect among diverse religious groups.
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“As a nation that prides itself on religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, we are deeply concerned by the recurrence of provocative messages around religious holidays.
“This year, a public institution, which should be the bastion of exemplary conduct, has been implicated in disseminating content that is widely regarded as offensive and derogatory to the Christian faith.
“Such messages not only threaten the delicate fabric of our national unity but also undermine the efforts of countless Nigerians working towards fostering mutual respect among diverse religious groups.”
The FIRS’ Easter message had earlier sparked serious controversy.
The Easter message signed by the FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, emphasised the need for Christians to pay their taxes as a form of religious obligation.
This draws criticism for what some perceived as insensitivity and religious bias.
This has reignited debates over the role of government agencies in promoting religious harmony and respect for diverse beliefs in Nigeria.
Critics argued that while tax compliance is important, public messages should be inclusive and respectful of all religious groups to avoid fueling tensions in the country.
However, CAN’s statement urged the FIRS to retract the message and offer a public apology for the distress caused.
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