Why Pastor Paul Enenche Rejected ₦30 Million from Kebbi State Governor

In a powerful sermon that has sparked widespread discussion across Nigeria, Dr. Paul Enenche, Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, has revealed why he rejected a ₦30 million donation from Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State.

The donation was offered during a recent state-wide crusade, but according to Enenche, accepting the money would have violated a principle he has upheld for over two decades: no government sponsorship or influence in his ministry.

“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,” the pastor stated at Dunamis headquarters in Abuja on Sunday.

He emphasized that his decision was not a personal rejection of Governor Idris, but rather a consistent policy designed to maintain his independence and moral clarity when addressing leaders.

A History of Turning Down Money – Even From Presidents

Dr. Enenche recounted similar past decisions:

• In 2014, during a trip to Jerusalem with then-President Goodluck Jonathan and several governors, he paid for his own travel and refused the honorarium offered by the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.

• Despite President Jonathan attending his church several times, no financial exchange ever occurred.

• He even turned down a car gift from a childhood friend who is now a pastor.

“Government funds are not in this project not one naira,” he said, referring to the construction of the Dunamis church headquarters.

According to Pastor Enenche, avoiding government money protects his ability to speak truth to power without fear or favor.

“I don’t want to touch any dime of government money,” he declared. “Accepting such gifts might compromise my prophetic voice and spiritual integrity.”