FIRS had posted the Easter message on its social media platforms
showing a point of sales (PoS) machine, and wrote, “Jesus paid your debt, not
your taxes”.
But CAN said the copy is offensive to the Christian faithful and
wants the FIRS to apologise.
“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,” CAN’s National Director,
National Issues and Social Welfare Abimbola Ayuba said in a Tuesday statement.
“Such messages not only threaten the delicate fabric of our
national unity but also undermine the efforts of countless Nigerians working
towards fostering mutual respect among diverse religious groups.”
“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,” CAN said.
FIRS Easter Message: Urgent Call for Sensitivity and Respect in
Public Communications
1. It
has come to our attention that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has
released an Easter message that has sparked significant public outcry amongst
Christians. 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.
2. 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. Such messages not only threaten the delicate fabric of our
national unity but also undermine the efforts of countless Nigerians working
towards fostering mutual respect among diverse religious groups.
· 28 Children
Kidnapped In Bandit Attack In Katsina Gained Freedom
· Rivers
Assembly To Resume Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara
· “You Political buccaneers” Wike Slams
Rivers PDP Leaders For Supporting Fubara
3. 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. 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.
4. We recognize that the intended message may have been to
creatively engage taxpayers; however, the execution has regrettably crossed the
bounds of cultural and religious decorum. While the FIRS’s intent may not have
been to show irreverence, the impact of the message cannot be ignored. It is
imperative to remember that the use of religious symbols and narratives should
be handled with the highest degree of sensitivity, especially when intersecting
with secular matters.
5. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) advises all public
and private organizations 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.
6. 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 (DSS) to take cognizance of this incident and to guide the FIRS in
adhering to communication strategies that promote respect, unity, and cohesion.
7. As a nation, we must strive to uphold the principles of
respect and sensitivity in all our public discourses. It is through these
values that we can continue to build a truly harmonious and inclusive Nigeria.
Thank you.
Signed,
Prophet Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd)
National Director, National Issues and Social Welfare,
Christian Association of Nigeria
(CAN)
Send your articles for publication to our email, estheroyeyemiassociates@gmail.com
