The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) ran an Easter advertisement that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) vehemently denounced and demanded be taken down. The advertisement, which read, “Jesus paid your debt, not your taxes,” caused distress among Christians, according to CAN.
In a statement issued by Prophet Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd), the National Director of National Issues and Social Welfare for CAN, the association expressed concern over the controversial message circulated by the FIRS. They emphasized the need for religious harmony and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria and raised alarm over the recurrence of provocative messages during religious holidays.
CAN stated that such messages not only threaten national unity but also undermine the efforts of Nigerians working towards mutual respect among religious groups. They argued that the Easter period, which holds deep religious significance for Christians, should not be trivialized or mocked in a manner that undermines core religious beliefs.
The FIRS’s analogy between the Christian doctrine of redemption and the civic duty of tax payment was met with distress and indignation by the Christian community, according to CAN. While acknowledging that the FIRS may have intended to creatively engage taxpayers, CAN argued that the execution of the message crossed cultural and religious boundaries. They stressed the importance of handling religious symbols and narratives with the utmost sensitivity, especially when intersecting with secular matters.
CAN called on all public and private organizations to exercise caution and consideration for the diverse religious backgrounds of Nigerian society. They emphasized the need for a clear understanding of the cultural and religious tapestry that defines the nation and urged the upholding of principles of respect and sensitivity in all public discourses.
In conclusion, CAN demanded a retraction of the controversial message from the FIRS and a public apology for the distress it caused. They also called on President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to take note of the incident and guide the FIRS in promoting communication strategies that foster respect, unity, and cohesion.
