Olusesan Oba
The Christian Association of Nigeria demands a public apology from the Federal Inland Revenue Service over an Easter advert which we deemed offensive,” said CAN’s National Director of National Issues and Social Welfare, Abimbola Ayuba.
The controversial post shared by FIRS on X (formerly Twitter) with the hashtag #FIRSNigeria, depicted a Point of Sale machine with the caption, “Jesus paid your debts, not your taxes,” sparking condemnation from Nigerians, particularly Christians.
“In the 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,” Ayuba stated in a Tuesday statement.
Ayuba further urged President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and the Department of State Services to intervene and guide FIRS in promoting messages that foster unity and peace.
“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,” Ayuba continued.
“The Easter period, a time of solemn reflection and sacred observance for Christians, should not be juxtaposed with civic obligations in a manner that trivializes or mocks core religious beliefs,” Ayuba emphasized, highlighting the need for respect for religious convictions.
CAN advised all public and private organizations to exercise caution and consideration for the diverse religious backgrounds of society, stressing the importance of crafting communications with a clear understanding of the cultural and religious tapestry that defines the nation.
