FIRS logo
We’II never denigrate Jesus Christ – FIRS
‘The message was our way of uniquely engaging taxpayers and to remind them of the need to prioritise payment of their taxes as a civic obligation’
By Valentine Amanze
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has apologised to Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Christians worldwide for its Easter Sunday message, which members of the association felt was an insult to their faith.
FIRS had posted its Easter Sunday message on social media that “Jesus paid your debts, not your taxes.”
The FIRS tendered the apology in a statement signed by Dare Adekanmbi, the Special Adviser, Media, to the FIRS chairman.
The FIRS explained that it did not put out the flier purposely to denigrate Jesus Christ or detract from the huge sacrifice He [Jesus Christ] made for humanity.
Also read: Nigeria’s economy to bounce back soon – FIRS
“We are actuely aware that the essence of the Easter period is to celebrate this huge sacrifice.
“The message was our way of uniquely engaging taxpayers and to remind them of the need to prioritise payment of their taxes as a civic obligation.
“Yes, we would say the message ruffled feathers in some circles,” it stated.
The FIRS further stated that the unintended meaning/ insinuation being read into the post was not what it was out to communicate as an agency.
“We wish to offer our unreserved apologies for this misinterpretation.
“FIRS, as a responsible agency, has no religion and will not bring down any religion or offend the sensibilities of adherents of various faiths in the country. Our goal is to assess, collect and account for revenue for the wellbeing of the Federation,” it stated.
valoa2000@yahoo.com
