PFN Criticizes Govt Over Imposition of Tax

PFN Criticizes Govt Over Imposition of Tax

By Ify Ashi, Umuahia

Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Abia State chapter has criticized the Abia state governments over what the church described as tax imposition on churches, urging the instituted authority of the government to reverse its decision or face the wrath of God

The chapter Chairman, Bishop Chikezie Elekwa of Holy Ghost Day Bible Church (HGDBC) with executive of PFN made this criticism while addressing newsmen after an executive meeting of the chapter at the church headquarters in Umuahia

Bishop Elekwa expressed shock in respect to the  imposition of Religious Operation Permit on Churches adding that as non-profit making organization, Churches are exempted from payment of certain taxes and rates, pointing out that businesses owned by churches complied  with the tax laws in the state.

The Clergy however warned against the court prosecution of over 20 Churches in Osisioma Local Government Area of the state by the LGA council for alleged non-payment of certain revenues to the council.

He maintained that PFN had in May 2017 brought the tax issue to the knowledge of Abia state governor whom he said expressed surprise and promised to look into the tax payment with the aim of stopping it.

He reminded governments that Churches remain their partners in progress, and besides the gospel, many of them engaged in provides employment and empowerment.

The Bishop also expressed disappointment over the manner and use of tugs on such revenue drives, calling on the governments to handle people with respect as not to destroy the image of the government.

He expressed dissatisfaction regards to the indiscriminate dumping of refuse very close to church premises, saying such acts pose serious health hazards to the environment and can incur the wrath of God

In the background of various forms of agitation in the country by different groups, the Secretary of the chapter, Dr. Blessed Amalambu expressed hope in the unity of the country.

He said the committee viewed with concern the backlog of both salaries and pension arrears owed to civil servants and pensioners by governments, urging the state government to use the Paris club money to settle workers

He maintained that PFN Abia is solidly backing the decisions of their parent body as it affect the nation, especially in the restructuring and restoration of CRK as a separate subject

On his part, the Deputy Chairman of the chapter, Apostle (Dr) Kingsley Abel said the committee had passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of Elekwa, soliciting the loyalty of the members for him.