Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, who is facing allegations over an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu, has told investigators that his involvement was motivated by patriotism, frustration and concern over the worsening conditions in the country.
Ma’aji’s position was contained in fresh court documents that shed more light on the alleged activities of a group of military officers and civilians who investigators said developed, suspended and subsequently revived plans to remove the Tinubu administration.
The Defence Headquarters, however, declined to comment on the latest development, citing the fact that the matter is currently before the court.
The Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, said commenting on the case could amount to discussing a matter that is sub judice.
In his statement, Ma’aji apologised for his alleged involvement and appealed to the authorities for leniency, insisting that he was not driven by personal ambition or a desire for power.
Rather, he said his actions were motivated by a desire to see Nigeria become a better and more prosperous country.
According to the colonel, some military personnel became increasingly concerned about poor governance, insecurity, inadequate welfare, rising living costs and the general deterioration in living conditions.
He said the situation had become so troubling that he feared Nigeria was heading towards a serious crisis.
Ma’aji said his concerns were also influenced by the difficulties he experienced while trying to provide for his family on his salary.
He said: “What has happened has a very long history, and it is driven by patriotism. I love the job and the country.
“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.”
Military welfare concerns
The colonel also raised concerns about the welfare of serving military personnel, particularly soldiers who had sustained injuries during operations.
He argued that the manner in which wounded soldiers and their families are treated has a direct impact on the morale of troops still serving in dangerous operational areas.
Ma’aji called for improved salaries, better healthcare, housing schemes, stronger pension arrangements and enhanced welfare packages for military personnel and their families.
He also urged authorities to expand and sustain the Chief of Army Staff loan programme to enable personnel meet some of their financial and housing needs.
He further called for a review of the Armed Forces National Health Insurance Scheme, arguing that the existing coverage should be expanded to include more serious medical conditions.
According to him, the Armed Forces should also have a dedicated department responsible for personnel welfare.
No specific date for alleged action
Ma’aji said the alleged movement had not reached the stage of executing any plan when security authorities intervened.
He maintained that discussions and mobilisation were still ongoing and that no specific date had been fixed for any action.
He also denied the involvement of foreign collaborators, explaining that different individuals became involved at different stages of the discussions.
According to him, some people who were approached expressed sympathy with the concerns being raised, while others later withdrew or failed to provide resources they had initially promised.
The colonel also linked his frustration to his failure to secure promotion to the rank of brigadier-general on two occasions.
He said some of his colleagues encouraged him to revive the movement following the second setback.
Plot dates back to Buhari era
Ma’aji disclosed that the initial discussions about the movement began during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
However, he said his arrest and subsequent detention had changed his outlook, making him realise that there were lawful and alternative 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 establish a formal mechanism that would allow military personnel to communicate their concerns directly to the Chief of Army Staff without fear of victimisation.
Criticism of alleged godfatherism
Ma’aji also criticised what he described as godfatherism and inequality in military postings and career advancement.
He alleged that some officers had spent several years serving in operational areas, while others had little or no exposure to such assignments.
He argued that military personnel should have equal opportunities for career progression based on competence, service and operational experience.
He also called for better treatment of retired military personnel, particularly in relation to pensions and healthcare.
According to him, some retired officers struggle to afford basic medication despite having served the country for many years.
Fuel subsidy and cost of living
On the wider economy, Ma’aji criticised the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy should have been implemented gradually rather than abruptly.
He said the rising cost of transportation, food, healthcare and education had placed enormous pressure on ordinary Nigerians.
The colonel urged the Federal Government to channel savings from subsidy reforms into projects capable of reducing the burden on citizens.
He specifically called for the revival of large-scale urban mass transportation programmes to make movement more affordable.
He said the average Nigerian was not demanding too much from government but simply wanted to afford transportation, food, healthcare and education for their children.
Call for stronger action against corruption
Ma’aji also urged the government to intensify its fight against corruption, describing the practice as a major contributor to Nigeria’s social and economic challenges.
He expressed concern over alleged budget padding, non-implementation of projects and what he described as wasteful government spending.
He also criticised the state of education, noting that many military personnel struggle to afford school fees for their children despite their salaries and sacrifices.
According to him, many officers who have served for more than a decade are still unable to own houses or accumulate enough savings to prepare for retirement.
He questioned how personnel who spend their productive years protecting the country could be expected to begin searching for financial security only after retirement.
Ma’aji seeks pardon
The colonel maintained that the alleged movement was not intended to destabilise Nigeria but was driven by what he described as patriotism and a desire for a country that works for its citizens.
“Everything we planned was borne out of patriotism, love of country, and the desire to have a prosperous Nigeria that we all can be proud of,” he said.
He appealed to the authorities to consider the circumstances surrounding the alleged 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 said his detention had been challenging but also gave him an opportunity to reconsider the manner in which grievances should be expressed.
He insisted that those accused alongside him had no other country to call home and urged the authorities to consider their years of service to Nigeria alongside the allegations against them.
He concluded by appealing for an opportunity to meet with relevant authorities, apologise and commit himself and others involved to pursuing lawful and peaceful means of addressing grievances within the military and the wider society.
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