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CAN Disapproves Of Tax Policy on Church Signposts in Abia State

…Calls for Roundtable meeting with Govt

Published

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 02:42 PM

Written by Omotola Adeleke

CAN Disapproves Of Tax Policy on Church Signposts in Abia State

The Abia State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has opposed a tax policy imposed on church signposts within the state.

In a letter dated October 22, 2024, and titled “Taxation of Church Signposts in Abia State,” the State CAN chairman, Rev. Ojo Ojo Uduma, and State CAN secretary, Rev. Dr. Francis E. Okere, urged the Governor to reverse the policy. They warned that if the policy is not reversed, it may cause Christians in the state to perceive the government as being antagonistic toward the Church.

They stated that this perception could create tension and distrust between the Christian community and the state authorities, undermining the relationship between them.

The Christian organization expressed concern that, as a state founded on Christian values, it is unfortunate that Abia is the only state in Nigeria imposing taxes on church signposts.

The letter read: “We write to express our displeasure over the state government policy of compelling churches to be paying taxes on their signposts.

“As a Christian and God’s own state, it is regrettable that Abia State is the only state in the whole federation that is taxing churches on their signposts.

“We therefore passionately plead with your Excellency as a matter of urgency to carefully look into this matter and possibly rescind the policy to avoid compelling the body of Christ in the state from seeing the regime as anti-Church”.

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) suggested organizing a roundtable discussion involving Christian leaders from the state.

They intend to utilize the meeting to work together towards a peaceful resolution regarding the taxation issue affecting church signposts and to promote mutual understanding between the church and the government.

“Furthermore, leaders of the Christian body in the state can be invited for a roundtable discussion on the way forward over this very little but delicate issue.

“While looking forward to your favourable response, accept our esteemed assurances of our unalloyed support and prayers”, The letter added.

Our correspondent found that the taxation has generated considerable attention throughout the state, prompting many religious leaders to voice their strong opposition.

Many expressed their dissatisfaction with the policy, emphasizing its implications for churches and highlighting the necessity for dialogue between the government and religious organizations.

Edited By: Chinedu Eze

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CAN Disapproves Of Tax Policy on Church Signposts in Abia State

The Abia State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has opposed a tax policy imposed on church signposts within the state.

They stated that this perception could create tension and distrust between the Christian community and the state authorities, undermining the relationship between them.

The Christian organization expressed concern that, as a state founded on Christian values, it is unfortunate that Abia is the only state in Nigeria imposing taxes on church signposts.

The letter read: “We write to express our displeasure over the state government policy of compelling churches to be paying taxes on their signposts.

“As a Christian and God’s own state, it is regrettable that Abia State is the only state in the whole federation that is taxing churches on their signposts.

“We therefore passionately plead with your Excellency as a matter of urgency to carefully look into this matter and possibly rescind the policy to avoid compelling the body of Christ in the state from seeing the regime as anti-Church”.

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) suggested organizing a roundtable discussion involving Christian leaders from the state.

They intend to utilize the meeting to work together towards a peaceful resolution regarding the taxation issue affecting church signposts and to promote mutual understanding between the church and the government.

“Furthermore, leaders of the Christian body in the state can be invited for a roundtable discussion on the way forward over this very little but delicate issue.

“While looking forward to your favourable response, accept our esteemed assurances of our unalloyed support and prayers”, The letter added.

Our correspondent found that the taxation has generated considerable attention throughout the state, prompting many religious leaders to voice their strong opposition.

Many expressed their dissatisfaction with the policy, emphasizing its implications for churches and highlighting the necessity for dialogue between the government and religious organizations.

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