Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Umar Audu
Published on 2024-04-03 11:03:53
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) recently issued an apology to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) following a controversial Easter message that caused uproar within the Christian community. In their Easter message released on March 32, the FIRS stated, “Jesus paid your debt, not your taxes”, a message that was deemed offensive and derogatory by CAN.
In response to the backlash, the FIRS’ special adviser, Dare Adekanmbi, issued a statement on behalf of the agency, clarifying that the message was not intended to denigrate Jesus Christ or the Christian faith. The FIRS emphasized that as a responsible government agency, their aim was to engage taxpayers and emphasize the importance of fulfilling their civic duty of paying taxes. The agency acknowledged that the message may have caused some controversy but reassured that their intention was not to offend any religious beliefs.
The FIRS further explained that the essence of the Easter period is to commemorate the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ and that their message was simply a unique way to remind taxpayers about their tax obligations. The agency reiterated that they do not discriminate based on religious beliefs and that their primary goal is to collect and account for revenue for the benefit of the Federation. They emphasized the importance of citizens paying their taxes as a contribution to the progress and development of the country.
The apology from the FIRS came after CAN demanded an apology from the agency for the offensive nature of the Easter message. CAN expressed their disappointment with the message, stating that it was disrespectful to their faith and called for a retraction and apology from the FIRS. With the FIRS issuing a formal apology, it is hoped that this incident will serve as a learning experience for both the agency and the Christian community, fostering better communication and understanding between government institutions and religious organizations.
In conclusion, the FIRS’ Easter message may have sparked controversy and offense within the Christian community, but the agency has since clarified their intentions and issued a sincere apology to CAN. Moving forward, it is important for government agencies to be mindful of the impact of their messages on different religious and cultural groups and to strive for respectful and inclusive communication. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of sensitivity and understanding in all forms of communication, especially when addressing matters of faith and belief.
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
