By Deborah Nnamdi
Dr. Paul Enenche, Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, has explained his reasons for declining a N30 million donation from Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris during a recent crusade in the state.
During a Sunday sermon at the church’s headquarters in Abuja, Pastor Enenche clarified that the refusal was based on his long-standing commitment to maintaining the independence of his ministry from government funding or political ties.
He emphasized that the decision was not a personal rejection of Governor Idris, but rather a reflection of principles he has firmly upheld for more than 20 years.
“For some people, that may be a surprise because they don’t know who we are. But for those who know us, that’s no surprise at all. That’s how we’ve lived, and that’s what we’ve stood for,” he said.
Backing his stance with past examples, Enenche recounted instances where he had previously turned down honorariums following national engagements. He specifically mentioned a 2014 pilgrimage to Jerusalem alongside then-President Goodluck Jonathan and other government officials, during which he covered his expenses and declined any monetary compensation.
“By the time we returned, the board chairman brought an offering and said this is their honorarium to me for going, I said no,” he said.
Enenche pointed out that even during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s visits to his church, no financial exchanges ever took place. Referring to the construction of the church’s headquarters, he emphasized, “Not a single naira of government money went into this project.”
He went on to recall similar situations, including one involving former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, and another with a childhood friend who, after becoming a government minister, offered him a vehicle — an offer he also declined.
The pastor explained that his consistent refusal to accept money or gifts associated with public funds is driven by a strong commitment to remain uncompromised and preserve his ability to speak boldly and truthfully to those in power.
“I don’t want to touch a dime of government money,” he said, noting that doing so could compromise his prophetic calling.
