CAN Decries Abia Government’s Signpost Tax on Churches, Calls for Urgent Reversal
By Okafor Joseph Afam
October 22, 2024
In a controversial move, the Alex Otti-led government of Abia State has imposed a tax on churches for their signposts, sparking outrage among religious leaders and the wider Christian community. This taxation policy has drawn significant attention, with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Abia State Chapter leading the charge against it.
In a letter addressed to Governor Otti, which was obtained by SaharaReporters, the CAN expressed its discontent over what it described as a uniquely burdensome tax, noting that Abia State is the only state in Nigeria implementing such a levy on churches. The letter, signed by CAN Chairman Rev. Ojo Ojo Uduma and Secretary Rev. Dr. Francis E. Okere, highlighted the potential ramifications of this policy on the perception of the current regime among Christians in the state.
The leadership of CAN cautioned that this taxation could lead many to view the government as “anti-church,” urging Otti to reconsider his administration’s stance. “We passionately plead with your Excellency as a matter of urgency to carefully look into this matter and possibly rescind this policy to avoid compelling the Body of Christ in the State from seeing this regime as being anti-church,” part of the letter read.
The association further suggested the need for a roundtable discussion involving Christian leaders across the state to reach an amicable resolution to the issue. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing discontent among the state’s religious community.
part of the letter read.
