The Christian Association of Nigeria has strongly condemned an Easter advertisement circulated by the Federal Inland Revenue Service on Easter Day, demanding a public apology from the agency.
The contentious advert bore the inscription, “Jesus paid your debt, not your taxes.”
In response to the advert, CAN called upon the FIRS to retract the message and issue an apology for the distress it caused amongst Christians.
Prophet Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd), National Director of National Issues and Social Welfare at CAN, expressed the association’s concern over the controversial statement. He stated, “It is with a profound sense of duty to national unity and respect for religious sentiments that we address the controversial statement ‘Jesus paid your debt, not your taxes’ circulated by the FIRS.”
CAN emphasized the need for religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, expressing deep concern over the recurrence of provocative messages during religious holidays.
The association highlighted the importance of respecting religious convictions, stating, “Religious convictions are at the heart of our identity and deserve the utmost respect.”
While acknowledging that the FIRS may have intended to engage taxpayers creatively, CAN stressed that the execution of the message crossed cultural and religious boundaries, causing distress and indignation among the Christian community.
CAN urged all public and private organizations to exercise caution and consideration for the diverse religious backgrounds in society. They emphasized the importance of crafting communications with a clear understanding of the cultural and religious tapestry of the nation.
The association concluded by emphasizing the principles of respect and sensitivity in public discourse, stating, “As a nation, we must strive to uphold the principles of respect and sensitivity in all our public discourses.”
