Pastor Enenche Apologizes To Church Member Yanked Off Altar Over Alleged False Testimony
Florence Sadiku
THE Senior Pastor of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Abuja, Paul Enenche has offered an explanation on what transpired on 14th April 2024 at the Glory Dome, the headquarters of the church which led to the embarrassing exit of a church member from the altar while sharing the testimony of her graduation from a university.
A statement signed by Sylvester Edoh, Personal Assistant/Secretary to the Senior Pastor, stated that when Ms Anyim Veronica Nnenna came out to testify of how God helped her graduate from a university, thus making her the first person to attain that feat in her family, these were immediate triggers for the said scenario.
“First, listening to the testifier’s expressions as it borders on basic spoken English, conveys the impression that the minimum standard expectation of a graduate, especially a graduate of Law was not met.
“Second, stating that she studied Law for 10 years begged the question of what her degree actually was.
“Third, she was unable to state exactly what the correct degree was for Law which is LLB, rather she said it was a BSe in Law which is largely unknown as a Law degree in Nigeria and possibly globally.
“These prompted the Senior Pastor. Dr. Paul Enenche to stop the testimony immediately as a product of a “lie.” However, relief came when it was later confirmed that she actually graduated from a university”.
The church further emphasized that embarrassing the testifier publicly with the attendant media frenzy was never intended; and that whatever happened was under the spur of the moment.
“The action of the Senior Pastor was rather based on his and the church’s aversion to seeming mediocrity and any appearance of untruth.
“While we remain resolute in our passion for excellence, intolerance of mediocrity and falsehood, we wish to reiterate the fact that no harm or hurt was ever intended by the Senior Pastor against Ms. Anyim Veronica. The Senior Pastor feels deeply concerned and has already reached out to her.
“As a Commission, we regret every inconvenience, hurt and embarrassment this unfortunate scenario has caused to Ms Anyim Veronica Nnenna. We remain committed to her physical welfare as well as her spiritual growth.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that Netizens have in the last 24 hours come down hard on Pastor Enenche with many of them asking that the man of God tender an unreserved apology for the public humiliation meted out to the young lady
An X user, Soulmedika, wrote, “The only thing Pastor Paul Enenche needs to do to that woman is apologise and it should be profuse! All the excuse of ‘it’s not the Pastor’s fault, the woman should have been able to articulate the name of her degree’ is lame! Ye, all should stop acting like Christianity is a cult!”
iredafeowolabi wrote, “Being a law graduate does not mean you must be eloquent. She went through the programme to become a better person in the way she thinks and processes information.”
Naturalboifilmz wrote, “There’s a more constructive way to address this situation, even if she lied. The pastor’s attitude was overly condescending. It’s so unfair.
“Same thing I told my mum after seeing the video on IG. She isn’t too good with English, but you could tell from the shock on her face that she meant what she said even though she couldn’t defend it,” FavourDiamen added.
AdvebturousAlec wrote, “The pastor is not wrong and the woman is not wrong either, she made a mistake after my realisation. There’s nothing like a BSc in Law but LLB in Law, which is a Bachelor of Law. Paul Enenche replied to her based on her response,’BSc’ not because he saw a valid proof of evidence. She brought it on herself, but as a pastor, he would love to maintain the peace.”
“If you know you have stage fright and you can’t make a good sentence in English, why not write down your testimony for them to read it at the altar? That’s why that option is there. Don’t come and disgrace the church, especially when you know it’s an international church,” reallknoxy wrote.
Meanwhile, Ms Anyim Veronica Nnenna has equally reacted to the embarrassing moment she suffered in the church. In a statement posted on her Facebook page on Monday, 15 April Vera expressed her dismay at being labelled a liar by her spiritual leader.
She clarified that she mistakenly said “B.Sc” instead of “LLB” due to her difficulty speaking English fluently, and revealed that she graduated with a Third Class from NOUN.
Her words:
“It’s disheartened because I couldn’t speak English like lawyers. i was labelled a liar for mistakenly saying B.Sc instead of LLB. Actually, I graduated with a Third Class at NOUN.
“The rejected stone can become the cornerstone. We’re reminded not to look down on anyone.
“U can’t imagine what I endured throughout the service. How shattered I must have felt to be disgraced by my spiritual leader in such a manner?
“I am no. 2262 on the list. I Vera deserves better now.”
In another post, she wrote: “The Devil came to steal my testimony, but Jesus said NO!”
Eighteen-Eleven Media
