The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) recently found itself in hot water over an Easter message that sparked controversy among Nigerians and drew criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The message, shared via the FIRS's social media account, proclaimed, "Jesus paid your debts, not your taxes."
CAN swiftly responded, demanding a public apology from FIRS, citing the message's perceived insensitivity towards the Christian faith. Many Nigerians also voiced their concerns, with some deeming the message inappropriate for the Easter season.
In response to the backlash, Dare Adekambi, Special Adviser on Media to FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji, clarified that the agency's intention was not to offend or denigrate the significance of Easter. Rather, the message aimed to engage taxpayers and remind them of their civic responsibility to pay taxes.
Acknowledging the unintended misinterpretation of the message, FIRS issued a statement expressing regret for any offense caused. They emphasized their commitment to treating all religions with respect and clarified that their primary objective is to collect revenue for the nation's development.
While FIRS's Easter message may have missed the mark, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful communication, especially on sensitive topics like religion. Moving forward, FIRS pledges to exercise greater caution in their messaging to ensure they uphold the values of inclusivity and respect for all faiths.
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