By Omo Ighodalo.
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has called for dialogue between it and the Alex Otti led government of Abia state over the imposition of taxes on churches in the state.
Reports have it that many religious leaders have frowned at the development.
According to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Abia State Chapter, “Abia is the only state in Nigeria demanding such a tax.”
In a letter signed by the state CAN Chairman, Rev. Ojo Ojo Uduma, and its Secretary, Rev. Dr. Francis E. Okere, the religious body said that Christians in the state could perceive the “regime as anti-church” because of the policy.
It called on Governor Otti to revisit the matter and possibly rescind the decision.
“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 CAN leadership also suggested a roundtable discussion involving the state’s Christian leaders to find an amicable solution to the issue.