Palpable tension has gripped Abia State as the Governor Alex Otti-led government has imposed tax on signposts of churches in the state.
Many religious leaders have condemned 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 made available and signed by the state CAN Chairman, Rev. Ojo Ojo Uduma, and its Secretary, Rev. Dr. Francis E. Okere, the religious body noted that Christians in the state could be 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.