The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has issued an apology to the Christian community following a controversial Easter message that garnered widespread criticism.
The initial message, featuring a Point of Sale (PoS) machine with the caption, “Jesus paid your debt, not your taxes,” was intended as a creative reminder for tax obligations but was swiftly met with backlash for its perceived insensitivity to Christian beliefs.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), representing the aggrieved community, voiced their concerns, deeming the message “offensive and derogatory to the Christian faith.” CAN’s National Director, National Issues and Social Welfare, Abimbola Ayuba, expressed that such communications could undermine national unity and efforts to maintain mutual respect among diverse religious groups.
In response to the backlash, the FIRS promptly removed the post and offered an “unreserved apology” for any misinterpretation caused by the message.
The Special Adviser (Media) to the FIRS Chairman clarified in a statement on Tuesday, stating, “We did not intend to denigrate Jesus Christ or diminish the monumental sacrifice He made for humanity.”
The FIRS affirmed its secular stance, emphasizing that as a responsible agency, it upholds religious neutrality and respects the sensibilities of all faiths in the country.
The agency also reaffirmed its dedication to revenue collection for national welfare while expressing regret for any offense taken by the Christian community.
This incident underscores the importance for public institutions to handle interactions with religious sentiments sensitively, especially during significant occasions like Easter.
It underscores the value of fostering respectful communication that acknowledges and respects the diverse beliefs within a multicultural society.
