By David Okpala/Stella Okpala
A Claretian missionary, Rev. Fr. David Okeke, has described tax payment as an expression of love for society, urging citizens to fulfil their tax obligations to support public service delivery.
Okeke made the call during a homily at a Mass marking World Mission Sunday at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Akpo, Aguata Local Government Area, on Oct. 18.
The cleric, who is based at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, said tax payment was a civic obligation that enabled governments to provide essential amenities.
“Payment of taxes is an obligation every citizen owes society. It is an avenue to demonstrate your love for society,” he said.
He argued that citizens who failed to pay taxes had little moral justification for demanding public amenities such as water, electricity, good roads, schools and security.
According to him, tax revenue provides governments with funds to deliver essential services and improve living conditions.
He urged citizens to pay their taxes willingly and in accordance with the law.
Okeke also explained that the biblical injunction to “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God” did not mean serving both God and Mammon.
Rather, he said, it emphasised the need for citizens to fulfil their civic responsibilities while remaining committed to serving God.
The cleric further urged people of productive age to shun idolatry and the get-rich-quick mentality, popularly known in Igbo as “ego mbute”.
He stressed that wealth required hard work, adding that those seeking prosperity should strive to improve the lives of others.
“If anyone must be wealthy, then he must work hard, making other people’s lives better to make his own life better,” he said.
David Okpala/Stella Okpala are of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
#WorldMissionSunday
#TaxCompliance
#CivicResponsibility
