CAN Reacts As Abia Becomes Only State In Nigeria To Tax Churches On Signpost, Demands Immediate Reversal

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Abia State has reacted to the newly imposed tax on church signposts in the state.

The association made its position known on Tuesday via a letter titled “Taxation of Church Signposts in Abia State”.

In the statement, signed by the State CAN chairman, Rev. Ojo Ojo Uduma, and the State CAN secretary, Rev. Dr. Francis E. Okere, CAN revealed that Abia State is the only state in the whole of Nigeria that is taxing churches on their signposts.

CAN described the move as a regrettable one especially as the state is known as a Christian state having earned the name God’s own state.

The body called for the immediate reversal of the policy by the government to save the state from having an anti-Church reputation.

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.

CAN proposed a roundtable discussion with the government to figure out the way forward on the issue.

“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 statement concluded.