Don't Disappoint Christian Faith - SDF Tells Emma Isong, Ors... ... Lauds Ayade Over Appointment Of Church Ministers
By UbongAbasi Ise
The appointment of church ministers into Cross River State Anti-tax Agency by the state governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, has impressed the Sons and Daughters of Faith, SDF. But the group has warned against possible infraction by the agency as this would dent the image of Christianity.
In a statement released yesterday by its national president, Pastor Etop Nathaniel, the SDF called on the members of the newly inaugurated agency led by Bishop Emma Isong to discharge their services without favoritism, denominational or religious sentiment.
The Christian youth group described the appointment as an opportunity for ministers of gospel to make a difference as they now take over the duty of politicians who have often been blamed for indulging in corruption practices.
"We want to task the ministers selected for this historic task, to discharge their services without favoritism, denominational sentiments or religious sentiment.
"Since this is the first recognition of its kind, it is important that those selected from the church to man the anti-tax agency, namely, Bishop Emma Isong, the chairman; Rev.Fr Julius Ada, the Secretary; Pastor John Ekpenyong and Rev.Sister Patricia Olom, to be more conscious of the fact that any infractions from them would automatically dent the image of the Church and handicap believers from demanding for good governance from mainstream politicians.
"Believers are the light of the world and the salt of the earth, therefore, whatever they are involved in should be exceptionally successfull in touching the people's lives.
"We have condemned the politicians for so long for corruption and now the church has been given the opportunity to serve in the politician's shoe. It is a matter of conscience that we make the difference.
"So we urge them to shun desire for worldy pleasure, and mindless acquisition of wealth in order to give the people an unfettered service so posterity could speak well for the kingdom of God," the statement reads.
The SDF further commended Prof. Ben Ayade on his post-Covid 19 response as he looked the way of Christian leaders in ending taxation on the poor.
"We want to use this opportunity to thank Governor Ben Ayade, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, for his unprecedented show of passion for the Cross River State indigenes for enacting a policy that exempts the poor from taxation.
"This is very laudable and a step in the right direction. Equally very commendable is his decision to use the church ministers for that task. We the Sons and Daughters of Faith observed with a great delight and have seen it as a good sign that the church is now beginning to receive its rightful recognition," said SDF.
It would be recalled that Prof. Ben Ayade, amidst outpour of emotions, inaugurated Cross River Anti-Tax Agency recently to put an end to illegal taxes on the micro and small enterprises including the poor in the state, saying "It is better for me, as a governor, to task my brain than to tax my people."
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