Nnaya Eziyi, Umuahia
Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Abia State chapter has tackled the state government over imposition of Religious Operation Permit on churches in the state even as Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has called for its abrogation.
The chapter Chairman, Bishop Chikezie Elekwa of Holy Ghost Day Bible Church (HGDBC), stated this while addressing newsmen after an executive meeting of the chapter at the church headquarters in the state capita.
Explaining that as non-profit making organization, churches are exempted from payment of certain taxes and rates, he added that business concerns owned by them have been complying with the tax laws.
He cautioned against the court prosecution of over 20 churches in Osisioma Local Government Area of the state by the council for alleged non-payment of certain revenues to the council.
“Governments in the state should understand that churches are their partners in progress. Besides reaching of the gospel, many of them are engaged in providing employment and empowerment program for the people,” he said.
He expressed dismay over the manner and use of tugs on such revenue drives, calling on the governments to engage people with respect for others and constituted authorities for such exercise.
According to him, some churches in the state have noted with dissatisfaction the indiscriminate dumping of refuse within their premises, saying such acts pose serious health hazards to the environment.
The clergyman, who reiterated the commitment of the fellowship to praying for the peace, progress and development of the state, commended Ikpeazu for his vision to move the state forward.
Similarly, against 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 across the country and called for an end to the trend.
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.
Describing him as a rare gift from God to the fellowship, the state and country, he added that he had not only shown uncommon leadership qualities, but had also committed his time and resources to it.
