In a bold move, Dr. Paul Enenche, Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, has revealed why he turned down a donation of 30 million Naira from Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, during a recent crusade in the state. According to Enenche, this decision was based on a long-standing principle to maintain his ministry’s independence from government funding and influence.
Speaking during a Sunday sermon at the church’s headquarters in Abuja, Enenche clarified that his action was not meant to slight Governor Idris, but rather a consistent standard he has upheld for over 20 years. He emphasized that this stance is not surprising to those familiar with his ministry, saying, “For some people, that may be a surprise because they don’t know who we are. But those who know us, that’s no surprise at all. That’s how we’ve lived, and that’s what we’ve stood for.”
Enenche recounted several instances where he turned down honorariums and financial rewards after delivering sermons during national assignments. One notable case was in 2014 when he was invited to Jerusalem by the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, alongside then-President Goodluck Jonathan and state governors. Enenche paid his own travel expenses and declined any form of financial reward. He recalled, “By the time we returned, the board chairman brought an offering and said this is their honorarium to me for going, I said no.”
The pastor also shared that former President Jonathan attended his church on multiple occasions during his tenure, yet no financial exchanges occurred between them. Regarding the church’s headquarters building, Enenche emphasized, “Government funds are not in this project, not one naira.” He also mentioned similar experiences with former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, and a childhood friend who later became a minister and offered to donate a vehicle, which he rejected.
Enenche’s refusal to accept money or gifts from public funds is rooted in his desire to remain free to speak truth to power without compromise. He stated, “I don’t want to touch any dime of government money,” adding that accepting such gifts could hinder his prophetic responsibility. This stance underscores his commitment to maintaining the integrity and independence of his ministry, allowing him to speak truth to power without fear or favor.
