Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, has explained why he declined a ₦30 million donation offered by Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, during a recent crusade in the state.
Speaking during a Sunday sermon at the church’s headquarters in Abuja, the pastor said his decision followed a personal principle that has guided him for more than two decades.
Enenche stated that rejecting government money is a long-standing commitment that ensures the church remains free from political influence.
According to him, this decision was not a personal rejection of Governor Idris but a demonstration of consistency.
“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,” he said.
He said the church has built its ministry on integrity and self-reliance, adding that it is not unusual for him to turn down offers tied to public resources or positions of power.
Pastor Cites Past Refusals to Accept Public Funds
To support his position, Enenche shared several past instances where he had declined honorariums and gifts believed to come from government coffers.
In one example, he recalled a trip to Jerusalem in 2014 for a pilgrimage alongside then-President Goodluck Jonathan and several state governors. Despite being part of the official delegation, he said he paid for his own travel expenses.
“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 recounted.
He added that former President Jonathan had visited Dunamis International Gospel Centre more than once during his tenure, yet never gave the church any financial support.
Enenche clarified that the construction of the church’s headquarters was fully funded by church members and other private donations.
“Government funds are not in this project, not one naira,” he said.
He also spoke about declining a car gift from a friend who later became a federal minister, as well as turning down support from former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom. He said his commitment stems from a belief that spiritual leaders must remain independent in order to hold political leaders accountable.
“I don’t want to touch any dime of government money,” Enenche said. “Accepting such gifts could hinder my prophetic responsibility.”
The pastor told his congregation that he values the freedom to speak truth without fear or obligation to any politician. He believes the church must maintain moral authority and avoid becoming entangled in public-sector dealings that could compromise its voice.
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