The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for a public apology from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) following an Easter advertisement that the religious organization found objectionable. The FIRS had posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) under the handle #FIRSNigeria, featuring an image of a Point of Sale terminal with the controversial caption, “Jesus paid your debts, not your taxes.” This post sparked a backlash, particularly within the Christian community.
Despite the removal of the post, CAN’s Director of National Issues and Social Welfare, Abimbola Ayuba, issued a statement on Tuesday urging President Bola Tinubu, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and the Department of State Services to acknowledge the incident and ensure that the FIRS promotes messages of unity and peace.
The statement partly read, “We demand that the FIRS retracts the insensitive message and issues a public apology for the distress it has caused. We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and the Department of State Services to recognize this incident and guide the FIRS towards communication that fosters respect and harmony.
“As a country that values religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, we are troubled by the frequent emergence of provocative messages during religious festivals. This instance involving a public institution, expected to maintain exemplary behavior, concerns us due to the distribution of content deemed disrespectful to Christianity.
“The Easter season, a significant time for Christian reflection and worship, should not be inappropriately compared to statutory responsibilities in a way that belittles deeply held religious tenets. Religious beliefs are central to our national identity and merit profound reverence.
“The FIRS’s comparison of the critical Christian tenet of redemption with the duty of paying taxes has been met with dismay and offense by the Christian populace.”
CAN advises both public and private entities to be mindful and respectful of the nation’s various religious beliefs. The association emphasizes that communications from public organizations, in particular, should be sensitive to the cultural and religious diversity that characterizes our society.
