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 – CAN calls out FIRS over Easter day post

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to issue a public apology following a notice circulated during the Easter celebration.

The FIRS shared a photo of a Point of Sale machine during the Easter festivities, accompanied by the caption, “Jesus paid your debts, not your taxes.”

This photo, which has since been removed, sparked criticism from members of the Christian community.

In response, Abimbola Ayuba, the National Director of National Issues and Social Welfare at CAN, has called upon President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and the Department of State Services to acknowledge the incident and guide the FIRS in ensuring that only messages promoting unity and peace are disseminated.

“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.

“We also urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Department of State Services to take cognisance 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.”