The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has demanded a public apology from the Federal Inland Revenue Service over an Easter post, which the Christian body said it deemed offensive to adherents of the faith.
FIRS, had in a post on X, #FIRSNigeria, shared a picture with the caption “Jesus paid your debts, not your taxes”.
The post generated lots of reactions from Nigerians, particularly those of the Christian faith, who condemned the post.
Although the post has been removed, CAN’s National Director of National Issues and Social Welfare, Prophet Abimbola Ayuba, urged the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and the Department of State Services to address the incident and ensure that FIRS only shares messages promoting unity and peace.
CAN said, “In light of recent events, we call upon the management of the FIRS to retract the message and offer a public apology for the distress caused. We also urge President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Finance, Wale Edun and the Department of State Security Service to take cognizance of this incident and to guide the FIRS in adhering to communication strategies that promote respect, unity, and cohesion.
“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.
“The Easter period, a time of solemn reflection and sacred observance for Christians, should not be juxtaposed with civic obligations in a manner that trivialises or mocks core religious beliefs. Religious convictions are at the heart of our identity and deserve the utmost respect.
“The analogy drawn by the FIRS between the pivotal Christian doctrine of redemption, and the civic duty of tax payment has been received with distress and indignation by the Christian community.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria advises all public and private organisations to exercise caution and consideration for the diverse religious backgrounds of our society. It is crucial that communications, especially from public institutions, are crafted with a clear understanding of the cultural and religious tapestry that defines our nation.”
