A Nigerian Army Colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, has said his actions were motivated by patriotism and frustration over what he described as worsening conditions in the country.
Ma’aji, in a statement made available on Monday, apologised for his alleged involvement in the plot and appealed to the authorities for leniency, insisting that he was not driven by personal ambition but by a desire for a better Nigeria.
He said the alleged plan grew out of concerns among some military personnel over poor governance, insecurity, inadequate welfare and declining living standards.
According to him, the situation had become so troubling that he feared Nigeria was heading towards collapse.
“What has happened has a very long history, and it is driven by patriotism, and I love the job and country,” Ma’aji said.
“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.
“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 alleged that military personnel were particularly affected by inadequate welfare, citing the condition of soldiers wounded in combat and the challenges confronting serving personnel and their families.
He said the alleged movement was still at the mobilisation and discussion stage when security authorities intervened, adding that no specific date had been fixed for any action.
Ma’aji also denied the involvement of foreign collaborators, explaining that different individuals became involved at various stages of the discussions.
According to him, some of those approached shared concerns about the state of the country, while others withdrew or failed to provide resources they had initially pledged.
He further attributed part of the frustration behind the alleged plot to his failure to secure promotion to the rank of brigadier-general on two occasions.
Ma’aji said some of his colleagues encouraged him to revive the movement following the second setback.
However, he said his experience after his arrest had changed his perspective and made him realise that there were lawful alternatives for military personnel to express their grievances.
“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.
Ma’aji called for the establishment of a formal channel through which military personnel could communicate their concerns directly to the Chief of Army Staff without fear of victimisation.
He also advocated improved remuneration and welfare packages for members of the Armed Forces, including better healthcare, housing, pensions and family support.
The colonel called for improvements in the military’s casualty management system, arguing that the treatment of wounded soldiers could affect the morale of personnel serving in operational areas.
He also criticised what he described as godfatherism and inequality in military postings and career progression, claiming that some officers had spent years on operations while others had little or no operational exposure.
On the wider Nigerian society, Ma’aji expressed concern over the rising cost of living, education, corruption and the impact of fuel subsidy removal on ordinary citizens.
He urged the government to channel resources saved from subsidy reforms into programmes capable of reducing hardship, including mass transportation and other social infrastructure.
He also called for stronger measures against corruption, arguing that perceived impunity among public officials could undermine the morale and confidence of security personnel.
On the alleged coup plot, Ma’aji maintained that the movement was never intended to destabilise the country, insisting that it was motivated by what he described as love for 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 said.
The colonel appealed to the authorities to consider the circumstances that allegedly led to the plot and pardon those involved, describing them as first-time 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 described his detention as “challenging and revealing”, saying it had given him an opportunity to reconsider how he expressed his grievances.
He maintained that he and the other alleged participants had no other country to call home and urged the authorities to consider their contributions to national security alongside the allegations against them.
He concluded by appealing for an opportunity to meet with the relevant authorities, apologise and commit to pursuing lawful and peaceful means of addressing grievances.
