‘They Conspired and Thought They Had Won’ — Defence Minister Recounts Journey to Leadership

The Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has said divine intervention played a decisive role in his rise to national leadership, despite efforts by detractors who believed they had stopped his progress.

Musa shared the testimony during a recent church service at the Conquerors Global Assembly in Abuja, according to a video monitored by Church Times and later circulated on social media.

The minister, who attended the service with his wife, thanked the church’s founder, Bishop David Abioye, and his wife, and offered prayers for the continued growth of the ministry.

Addressing the congregation, Musa encouraged worshippers to remain hopeful, declaring that faith remains a source of strength in difficult times.

“Because we serve a living God. He will never give up on us,” he said.

Reflecting on events leading up to his appointment, the defence minister said circumstances once appeared stacked against him.

“We give God the glory for what has happened this year. Even when the enemy thought they were putting us down, they did not know God was going to lift us up. In their small mind they conspired and thought they had won. But as long as you have God as your pillar you will win,” Musa stated.

Describing Bishop Abioye as a close ally, Musa said challenges were essential for personal growth, noting that adversity builds strength and resilience.

“If you are never challenged you can never improve in life. As Nigerians, we know we are strong but we are stronger together with God Almighty. Nigerians are winners. We must continue to pray for our leaders and our country,” he said.

The minister also cautioned against constant negative narratives about Nigeria, warning that persistent criticism undermines national progress.

“If you continue to talk down on your country you don’t mean well,” he added.

Musa further urged Christians to practise their faith in daily life, stressing that real impact comes from living out one’s beliefs.

President Bola Tinubu nominated Musa as Minister of Defence on December 2, replacing Mohammed Badaru, who resigned on health grounds. The nomination was conveyed in a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with the President expressing confidence in Musa’s ability to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework. He was sworn in two days later.

Opinion Nigeria News