On Monday, Senior Pastor Paul Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre addressed the recent controversy surrounding a testimony shared by a lady named Vera Ayim, who claimed to be a graduate of law from the Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
Pastor Enenche clarified that his interjection during Vera’s testimony on Sunday was not intended to shame her. He emphasized that there was no intention to disgrace her.
Vera had taken to the pulpit at Dunamis Church on Sunday to share her testimony, highlighting how God had made her the sole graduate in her family.
During her testimony, Vera mentioned graduating with a “BSc in Law” from NOUN. When questioned by Pastor Enenche about the specifics of her degree, she reiterated that it was a “B.Sc in Law.”
This exchange led Pastor Enenche to express his skepticism, accusing Vera of being dishonest.
The incident sparked considerable discussion on social media, with many Nigerians urging Pastor Enenche to issue an apology.
In response, Pastor Enenche clarified that his reaction was rooted in the church’s commitment to upholding integrity and truthfulness. He stressed that there was a concern for avoiding any semblance of mediocrity or falsehood.
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Through his Personal Assistant, Sylvester Edoh, Pastor Enenche reassured that he had personally reached out to Vera to address the situation.
A statement signed by Edoh reads: “A scenario was created on Sunday the 14th April, 2024 at the Glory Dome, the Global Headquarters of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, when Ms Anyim Veronica Nnenna came out to testify of how God helped her graduate from the University, thus making her the first person to attain that feat in her family.
“These were the 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 BSc 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. It must be pointed out clearly here that embarrassing the testifier publicly with the attendant media frenzy was never intended; 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 had 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.”
Enenche assured of his commitment towards Vera’s physical welfare as well as her spiritual growth.
