Easter: CAN Criticizes FIRS For Posting Offensive Message On Social Media , Demands Apology
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticized the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for posting an offensive message on social media during the 2024 easter celebration.
.The revenue agency had in a post on X (formerly Twitter) while seeking to promote tax awareness posted a message that reads ‘Jesus paid your debts, not your taxes’ and added the picture of a Point-of-Sale machine.
Team@orientactualmags.com learned that the FIRS had since taken down the controversial post but CAN’s National Director of National Issues and Social Welfare, Abimbola Ayuba, however in a statement he issued on Tuesday urged President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, and the Department of State Services to note what had happened and guide the FIRS in adhering to only messages that promote unity and peace.
‘In the light of recent events, we call on the management team 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 cognizance of this incident and 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 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’ the statement said.
CAN also advised all public and private organizations to exercise caution and always take cognizance of the diverse religious backgrounds of society.
Communications, especially from public institutions, CAN noted, should be crafted with a clear understanding of the cultural and religious tapestry that defines our nation-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
