By Seyi Babalola
Paul Enenche, senior pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, spoke out on Monday about the scandal involving a woman who claimed to be a “B.Sc graduate of law” from the Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
Pastor Enenche stated that he never intended to insult the testifier, Vera Anyim when he intervened during her testimony on Sunday.
On Sunday, Vera appeared on the altar of Dunamis Church to give her testimony of how God made her the “only graduate in her family.”
During the testimony, Vera said she graduated with a “B.Sc in Law” from NOUN.
Pastor Enenche asked what kind of degree she graduated with and she said ‘’B.Sc in Law.”
Aggrieved, the clergyman accused the Vera of lying.
The issued had irked much frenzy on social Media with Nigerians asking Enenche to apologize.
Responding, Enenche said his action was rather based on his and the church’s aversion to seeming mediocrity and any appearance of untruth.
Speaking through Sylvester Edoh, his Personal Assistant, Enenche assured that he has reached out to the Vera personally.
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 B.Sc 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.
