The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has extended an apology to Christians, particularly the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), following the dissemination of a controversial Easter message that sparked widespread condemnation.
The contentious message, depicted in a flier featuring a Point of Sale (PoS) machine with the caption, “Jesus paid your debt, not your taxes,” elicited significant backlash from members of the Christian community.
In response to the outcry, the FIRS issued a statement late on Tuesday, expressing regret for the misinterpretation of its message. The agency emphasized that the dissemination of the flier was not intended to denigrate Jesus Christ or undermine his significant sacrifice for humanity.
“The unintended meaning/insinuation being read into the post was not what we were out to communicate as an agency,” the statement clarified.
Furthermore, the FIRS reiterated its commitment to impartiality and respect for all religious beliefs, affirming that its primary objective is the assessment, collection, and proper accounting of revenue for the nation’s welfare.
“We believe it is an investment in the progress of the country when citizens pay their taxes,” the agency stated.
The FIRS concluded its apology by expressing remorse to CAN and all Christians who were offended by the unintended implications of its Easter message.
This conciliatory gesture from the FIRS aims to address the concerns raised by the Christian community and foster harmony and understanding between the agency and religious groups in the country.
