Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, who has been accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, has attributed his actions to what he described as patriotism and frustration over the worsening conditions in the country.
Ma’aji, in a statement made available on Monday, apologised for his alleged involvement and appealed to the authorities for leniency, insisting that he was not motivated by personal ambition but by a desire to see Nigeria become a better country.
The colonel said concerns over poor governance, insecurity, inadequate welfare for military personnel and the rising cost of living contributed to discussions among some officers about the state of the nation.
According to him, the situation had become so troubling that he feared Nigeria was heading towards collapse. He also said his concerns were influenced by the difficulty of providing for his five children on what he described as a meagre salary.
“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.”
‘No Date Was Fixed for Any Action’
Ma’aji said the alleged movement was still at the stage of mobilisation and discussions when security authorities intervened.
He maintained that no specific date had been fixed for any action and denied the involvement of foreign collaborators.
According to the colonel, different individuals became involved at various stages of the discussions. He said some expressed concerns about the state of the country, while others later withdrew or failed to provide resources they had initially promised.
However, Ma’aji acknowledged that his frustration was also linked to his failure to secure promotion to the rank of brigadier-general on two occasions.
He said some colleagues encouraged him to revive the movement following his second unsuccessful promotion attempt.
Colonel Calls for Better Military Welfare
Ma’aji said military personnel were also suffering from Nigeria’s economic and security challenges, particularly soldiers wounded during operations and the families of serving personnel.
He called for improved remuneration and welfare for members of the Armed Forces, including better healthcare, housing, pensions and family support.
The colonel also advocated for the establishment of a formal mechanism through which military personnel could communicate their grievances directly to the Chief of Army Staff without fear of victimisation.
He further called for reforms to the military’s casualty management system, warning that the treatment and welfare of wounded soldiers could affect the morale of personnel still serving in operational areas.
Ma’aji criticised what he described as godfatherism and inequality in military postings and career progression. He argued that some officers had spent years participating in operations while others had little or no operational exposure.
‘Detention Changed My Outlook’
Reflecting on his arrest and subsequent detention, Ma’aji said the experience had changed his outlook and made him realise that there were lawful channels through which grievances within the military could be addressed.
“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 consider the circumstances surrounding the alleged plot and 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 described his detention as “challenging and revealing”, saying it had given him an opportunity to reconsider how he and others could express their grievances.
Ma’aji Raises Economic Concerns
The colonel also expressed concern over the rising cost of living, access to education, corruption and the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.
He urged the government to channel savings from subsidy reforms into measures that would ease the burden on citizens, including mass transportation and other social infrastructure.
He also called for stronger action against corruption, arguing that perceived impunity among public officials could weaken the morale and confidence of security personnel.
‘We Love Nigeria’
On the alleged coup plot, Ma’aji maintained that the movement was not intended to destabilise the country but was driven by what he described as love for Nigeria and a desire for better governance.
“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 stressed that those involved had no other country to call their own 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 himself and others involved to using lawful and peaceful channels to address their concerns.
