Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh has joined Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as well as Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) to kick against the proposed tax on Christian marriages by the federal government.
He slammed Interior Minister, Raufu Aregbesola, for the move, declaring that the former Osun Governor does not wish Christians in the country.
Okoh spoke last week during Centenary anniversary and Eucharist thanksgiving service of the Diocese of Lagos.
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Centenary Grand Patron Lt Gen. Theophilus Danjuma as well as 81 bishops, 76 archdeacons witnessed the service.
Okoh wondered why the minister focused attention on Christian marriages alone, adding that other religious sects also conduct marriages without the proposed tax.
The cleric said the proposed tax will be a burden to people of marriageable age and even deter some of them from entering the institution.
He said: “My belief, which I also think is the wish of many well- wishers, is that people who go into marriage should be encouraged and not be burdened because they are going into a new life.”
He wondered what led to the minister’s coming out with such an unfriendly pronouncement and stated he was taking advantage of the simplicity of Christians saying maintained they remain undivided on the stand of CAN and PFN.
He also called on Aregbesola in the name of peace to immediately retrace his steps and continue to vote for the unity of the country.
The Bishop of Lagos and Missioner, Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev. Humphrey Olumakaiye also asked President Muhammadu Buhari to listen more to the people. He said, “Leaders should be interested in the masses and not just themselves as they are called to serve.”
