Taxing the Lord's House: Abia Govt's Bold Move

Abia State Government Faces Backlash Over Church Tax

“We passionately plead with your Excellency as a matter of urgency to carefully look...”

Abia State's Alex Otti administration sparks controversy with church signpost tax, prompting Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to condemn policy as anti-church.

The Alex Otti administration in Abia State has introduced a tax on churches for their signposts, sparking widespread criticism from religious leaders. This move has been met with strong opposition from the Abia chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which argues that Abia is the only state in Nigeria imposing such a tax.

CAN expressed its concerns through a letter signed by Chairman Rev. Ojo Ojo Uduma and Secretary Rev. Dr. Francis E. Okere. The organization fears that Christians in the state might perceive the administration as anti-church due to this policy. CAN is urging Governor Otti to reconsider the matter and potentially rescind the decision.

It's worth noting that Governor Alex Otti, a former banker and economist, took office on May 29, 2023, with a promise to bring positive change to Abia State. His administration has focused on infrastructure upgrades, regular payment of workers' salaries, and environmental sanitation. However, this tax policy has raised concerns among religious leaders and communities.

Major Concerns Raised by CAN:

Unfair Taxation: CAN argues that Abia is the only state imposing such a tax on churches.

Perception of Anti-Church Sentiment: The policy may lead Christians to view the administration as anti-church.

Call to Reconsider: CAN urges Governor Otti to revisit the policy and consider rescinding the decision.

These concerns highlight the need for dialogue between the government and religious leaders to find a resolution that balances the state's revenue needs with the rights and freedoms of religious institutions.

“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 Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leadership is taking a proactive approach to resolving the controversy surrounding the new tax policy by proposing a roundtable discussion with Abia State's Christian leaders. This move aims to foster open dialogue, addressing concerns and finding a peaceful resolution to the issue. By bringing together key stakeholders, CAN hopes to create a platform for constructive conversation, promoting understanding and cooperation.

To ensure the success of this roundtable discussion, careful planning is crucial. This includes:

Defining the Purpose and Topics: Clearly outlining the goals and specific issues to be addressed, such as the impact of the tax policy on churches and the community.

Identifying the Right Participants: Inviting respected Christian leaders, experts, and stakeholders to contribute diverse perspectives and expertise.

Setting the Agenda: Creating a structured agenda to guide the discussion, allocate time for each topic, and facilitate meaningful conversation.

Arranging Logistics: Selecting a suitable venue, arranging seating to promote interaction, and providing necessary audio-visual equipment.

Facilitating Engaging Discussions: Encouraging active participation, respecting differing opinions, and ensuring equal speaking opportunities.

Documenting and Following Up: Recording key insights, ideas, and action points, and sharing a summary report with participants to maintain momentum