Nigerian Army Colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, has explained the circumstances that allegedly pushed him and others into a plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, blaming poor governance, insecurity, worsening living conditions and frustration over military welfare and career progression.
Ma’aji, who is accused of involvement in the alleged coup plot, said his actions were not driven by personal ambition but by what he described as patriotism and a desire to see Nigeria become a prosperous country.
In a statement made available on Monday, the Colonel apologised for his involvement in the alleged plot and appealed to the authorities for leniency.
He said the alleged plan was triggered by growing concerns among some military personnel over the state of the country, particularly insecurity, inadequate welfare and declining living standards.
According to him, the situation had become so troubling that he feared Nigeria was heading towards collapse.
Ma’aji said his personal struggles as a military officer also contributed to his frustration.
“Every time I look at how I’m struggling to raise five children with my meagre salary, I get worried. Looking at every aspect of life in Nigeria, there is no hope for the common man, and we are left to defend ourselves.”
He insisted that the alleged plot had nothing to do with personal ambition.
“This has nothing to do with any ambition or personal goals. It is purely out of the desire for a prosperous country that works for everyone.”
The Colonel also pointed to what he described as poor welfare for military personnel, including the treatment of soldiers wounded in combat and the difficulties faced by serving officers and their families.
He argued that inadequate welfare could undermine the morale of troops who risk their lives in the fight against terrorism and other security threats.
Ma’aji said the alleged movement was still at the mobilisation and discussion stage when security authorities intervened, adding that no specific date had been agreed for any action.
He also denied the involvement of foreign collaborators, explaining that different individuals became involved at different stages of the discussions.
The Colonel further disclosed that his failure to secure promotion to the rank of Brigadier-General on two occasions deepened his frustration.
According to him, some colleagues encouraged him to revive the movement after his second promotion setback.
He also criticised what he described as godfatherism and inequality in military postings and career progression, claiming that some officers had spent years serving in dangerous operational theatres while others had little or no operational exposure.
Following his arrest and detention, Ma’aji said he had changed his position and realised that military grievances could be addressed through lawful channels.
“If God willing, the authority is kind enough to pardon us, we will never contemplate this course of action again in the future,” he said.
He appealed to the authorities to establish a formal channel through which military personnel could communicate their grievances directly to the Chief of Army Staff without fear of victimisation.
He also called for improved remuneration, healthcare, housing, pensions and family support for military personnel.
The Colonel extended his concerns beyond the military, expressing alarm over the rising cost of living, education, corruption and the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.
He urged the government to invest money saved from subsidy reforms in programmes capable of reducing hardship, including mass transportation and other social infrastructure.
He also called for tougher action against corruption, saying perceived impunity among public officials could damage the morale and confidence of security personnel.
On the alleged coup plot, Ma’aji insisted that it was never intended to destabilise Nigeria.
“Everything we planned was born out of patriotism, love of country, and the desire to have a prosperous Nigeria that we all can be proud of.”
He pleaded with the authorities to pardon those involved, describing them as first offenders.
“We are pleading for a pardon and a chance to amend our ways. Many of the officers have participated in some operations in the North-East. I am happy nobody has been hurt,” he said.
Ma’aji said his detention had been “challenging and revealing”, giving him an opportunity to reconsider how he expressed his grievances.
He maintained that he and the other officers involved had no other country to call their own, urging the authorities to consider their contributions to national security.
He subsequently appealed for an opportunity to meet with the relevant authorities, apologise and commit to pursuing lawful and peaceful means of expressing grievances in the future.
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