Since Christians pay tax, churches should not pay tax, says Wale Oke

Presiding Bishop of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Ibadan, Oyo State, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has enjoined Christian leaders in the country and Christians at large to make it a habit of paying their taxes regularly.

The cleric, who is also the national deputy president of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), made call in Ibadan last Thursday, just as he also kicked against the calls in some quarters that the church as a body should pay tax.

“Cleric, pastors alike, Christian leaders and all church members should always ensure they perform this civic obligations by promptly paying their taxes as and when due,” he said.

He said this would enable the government to have funds to provide amenities that the citizens are yearning for.

While disagreeing with the call in some quarters that churches should be paying taxes, Oke insisted that the church as a religious organisation should never pay tax.

“As long as church members are paying their taxes, the church should not pay tax because they are like charity organisations,” he said

He charged people in the country to always perform their civic responsibilities so as to enable the government to live up to its billings in providing amenities.

He, however, implored the government to always put taxes and other money generated into proper use in a bid to win the respect of the people, particularly, the taxpayers.

“The government must take measures against tax evaders, especially the rich people in the society,” he added.