The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to issue a public apology following a controversial Easter-themed advertisement that sparked outrage among the Christian community.
The controversy arose after FIRS posted an image on its official #FIRSNigeria handle on X (formerly Twitter), featuring a point-of-sale machine alongside the caption, “Jesus paid your debts, not your taxes.”
The advertisement faced widespread criticism, particularly from Christians who found the message offensive. While FIRS has since removed the contentious post, CAN’s National Director of National Issues and Social Welfare, Abimbola Ayuba, issued a statement on Tuesday urging swift action from various government bodies, including President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and the Department of State Services.
Ayuba emphasized the importance of the FIRS adopting communication strategies that promote respect, unity, and peace, highlighting the need for religious harmony in Nigeria.
“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.
Expressing concern over the recurrence of provocative messages during religious holidays, CAN criticized the FIRS for disseminating content deemed derogatory to the Christian faith.
CAN emphasized the significance of the Easter period as a time for solemn reflection and observance within the Christian community, asserting that it should not be inappropriately linked with civic duties such as tax payment in a manner that disrespects religious beliefs.
The association also advised public and private organizations to consider Nigeria’s diverse religious backgrounds in their communications, stressing the importance of crafting messages with sensitivity to foster an environment of respect and peaceful coexistence.
This incident underscores the delicate balance required in public messaging and highlights the importance of sensitivity towards different faiths in Nigeria’s multicultural and multi-religious society.
