Beyond the Pulpit: How Pastor Enenche’s rejection of ₦30m redefines Church and State boundaries
By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
The recent decision by Dr Paul Enenche, Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, to reject a N30 million donation from the Kebbi State Government during a high-profile crusade in Birnin Kebbi has triggered national discourse on the proper relationship between religious institutions and public funds.
Addressing a large congregation at the crusade, Dr Enenche expressed gratitude for the state government’s gesture but firmly stated that the Dunamis Church does not receive financial support from government entities and urged that the donation be redirected to sectors in need such as education, healthcare, orphanages and social welfare services.
He explained that the Dunamis commission operates on the principle that public funds are designated for public responsibilities, while the church, he said, is committed to relying solely on divine provision and the voluntary contributions of its members to execute its spiritual and humanitarian missions without putting anyone under pressure.
Reinforcing his stance, Dr Enenche reiterated the church’s policy during a Sunday service at the Glory Dome in Abuja, where he cited several past instances where similar offers were respectfully turned down. He clarified that the rejection was never intended to disrespect, ridicule any individual or institution but was guided by long-standing principles.
He recalled an incident in 2014 when he was invited to accompany then-President Goodluck Jonathan to Israel on a national assignment. Despite the honor extended to him, Enenche stated that he personally funded his trip and declined any financial compensation from the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.
According to him, Dunamis Church, during its outreach programmes both within and outside Nigeria, offers free medical care and welfare support without collecting offerings emphasizing that their crusades are focused on saving lives, not collecting resources from the people they serve.
Dr Enenche also referenced an encounter with former Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, who once invited him to speak to his cabinet. He acknowledged the invitation but declined any financial appreciation. In another instance, a Dunamis pastor was nearly dismissed for accepting government sponsorship for a crusade. The pastor was directed to return the funds within twenty-four hours.
The reaction to the Kebbi incident has been swift and widespread. Social media platforms were awash with commendations from Nigerians who hailed the move as courageous and exemplary.
Many described it as a rare demonstration of moral clarity and a bold step towards safeguarding the pulpit from political interference.
Several commentators urged other faith leaders to emulate Dr Enenche’s approach and maintain a clear separation between spiritual leadership and political patronage.
However, some voices insisted that churches must also exhibit transparency in their internal financial administration, noting that accountability should cut across both external and internal financial conduct.
Dr Enenche’s rejection of the N30 million donation was not a spontaneous show of righteousness but part of a consistent institutional culture within the Dunamis Church. It further strengthened the argument that religious bodies should maintain financial independence from political structures in order to retain their prophetic authority and moral clarity.
The event highlighted the value of principled leadership. At a time when many institutions are quick to trade values for access, Dr Enenche’s action stood out as a compelling reminder that true influence is often defined not by what one accepts, but by what one is willing to refuse in defense of conviction.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complex terrain between faith, governance and public accountability, the Kebbi episode presents a thought-provoking case study. It demonstrates how religious organisations can uphold integrity, protect their independence and stay committed to public service without drawing from state coffers.
Dr Enenche’s firm stand has reignited national conversations on ethical leadership and challenges other leaders religious or secular to reexamine the true cost of compromise in pursuit of relevance.