The Alex Otti-led administration in Abia State has introduced a tax on churches for their use of signposts, a policy that has sparked significant reactions across the state, particularly among religious leaders.
Many within the Christian community are strongly opposed to the tax, expressing their discontent through the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Abia State Chapter.
According to CAN, Abia is the only state in Nigeria implementing such a tax on church signposts. A letter seen by NewdayReporters, signed by the state CAN Chairman, Rev. Ojo Ojo Uduma, and the Secretary, Rev. Dr. Francis E. Okere, conveys the concerns of the Christian community regarding this new policy.
The letter warns that the move could lead Christians in Abia to view the current administration as being unfriendly or even antagonistic towards the church.
In the letter, CAN appealed to Governor Alex Otti to reconsider the decision, urging him to rescind the tax in order to prevent further tensions between the government and the religious community.
The letter specifically urged the governor to act swiftly, saying, “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.”
CAN further suggested that a more collaborative approach be taken, proposing a roundtable discussion between the state government and Christian leaders in Abia. The aim, according to the association, is to find a peaceful and mutually beneficial solution to the issue.
