Why I rejected N30m donation from Kebbi governor — Pastor Enenche

Dr. Paul Enenche, the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, has addressed the public reaction following his rejection of a ₦30 million cash donation from Kebbi State Governor, Mohammed Nasir Idris.

According to Tribune Online, the donation was presented by the governor’s representatives during a major outdoor crusade recently held in Kebbi State, but Pastor Enenche declined the offering. Speaking during a Sunday sermon at the church’s headquarters in Abuja, he clarified that the decision was not a personal affront to the governor but a reflection of a long-held principle.

“For some people, it may come as a surprise because they don’t know who we are. But for those who do, this is not unusual. This is how we’ve always lived and what we’ve consistently stood for,” Enenche said. He recalled past instances that shaped this conviction, stating, “Over twenty years ago, I was invited to pray for the nation, and afterwards, people handed out envelopes. I refused, saying, ‘I can’t pray for money,’ and I walked away.”

He further recounted his experience in 2014 when he was invited by the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board to speak during a presidential pilgrimage to Jerusalem, alongside former President Goodluck Jonathan and several governors. Enenche said he paid for his own flights and declined offers for travel arrangements and honorarium from the board. “When the board chairman, Professor John Kennedy, later brought an offering, I said no,” he emphasized.

Enenche also noted that despite President Jonathan visiting Dunamis Church on multiple occasions while in office, there was never any financial exchange between them. Pointing to the church building, he declared, “Not a single naira of government money went into this project.”

Explaining his decision to speak out, he said it was necessary to show that his rejection of the Kebbi State donation was consistent with his life principles. He cited another instance with former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, who invited him to Makurdi for a cabinet inauguration. Enenche said he traveled at his own expense and refused the official honorarium. “Governor Ortom even told a commissioner not to bother offering it, knowing I would reject it,” he recounted.

He added that even when Ortom once brought him pocket money, he declined, asking, “This is not from security votes, is it? If it is, please keep it—I’m fine.”

Enenche also shared a story about turning down a church bus gifted by a childhood friend who was serving as a minister, suspecting the funds used came from public office.

Explaining his stance, he said he believes accepting gifts or money from government officials can compromise one’s ability to speak truth to power. “Once you start collecting from them, it becomes hard to challenge wrongdoing,” he said.

Pastor Enenche’s message emphasized integrity and independence, qualities he believes are vital for spiritual leaders in a time when trust and accountability are crucial.