A Nigerian Army Colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, facing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has attributed his involvement to patriotism, frustration over worsening living conditions and concerns about the welfare of military personnel.
Ma’aji’s position was contained in fresh court records detailing how investigators said some military officers and civilians allegedly developed, suspended and later revived plans to overthrow the government.
The Defence Headquarters, however, declined to comment on the development, citing the pending court proceedings. The Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, said any comment on the matter could amount to sub judice.
In the court records, Ma’aji apologised for his alleged involvement and appealed to the authorities for leniency, insisting that the move was not motivated by personal ambition but by what he described as a desire for a better Nigeria.
He said the alleged plan was fuelled by concerns over poor governance, insecurity, inadequate military welfare and declining living standards, which he feared could push the country 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.”
Ma’aji said the alleged movement was still at the mobilisation and discussion stage when security authorities intervened, stressing that no specific date had been fixed for any action.
He also denied the involvement of foreign collaborators, saying different individuals became involved at various stages, while some eventually withdrew or failed to provide resources they had promised.
The colonel, however, disclosed that his failure to secure promotion to the rank of brigadier-general on two occasions contributed to his frustration, saying some colleagues subsequently encouraged him to revive the movement.
According to him, the initial planning began during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ma’aji said his arrest and detention had nevertheless changed his perspective, making him realise that there were lawful channels through which grievances could be expressed within the military.
“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 urged the authorities to establish a formal mechanism through which military personnel could communicate concerns directly to the Chief of Army Staff without fear of victimisation.
Ma’aji also called for improved remuneration, healthcare, housing, pensions and family support for military personnel, as well as stronger casualty management for soldiers wounded during operations.
On alleged inequality in career progression, he criticised what he described as “godfatherism” in military postings and promotions, arguing that some officers had spent years on operational deployments while others had little or no exposure to combat zones.
He further expressed concern over the welfare of retired personnel, citing the difficulties faced by some former soldiers in meeting healthcare and other basic needs.
Turning to broader socioeconomic issues, Ma’aji criticised the removal of fuel subsidy, corruption, poor education and the rising cost of living, urging the government to invest savings from subsidy reforms in projects capable of reducing hardship.
He particularly advocated renewed investment in mass transportation, saying an average Nigerian should at least be able to afford transportation, food, healthcare and the education of their children.
On corruption, he said it remained a major threat to national development and security, while also raising concerns over alleged budget padding and the failure to implement some approved projects.
Ma’aji insisted that the alleged plot was never intended to destabilise Nigeria, maintaining that those involved were motivated by what they considered a patriotic desire to improve the country.
“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.
The colonel 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 experience in detention had been “challenging and revealing”, adding that it had compelled him to reconsider his approach to expressing grievances.
He maintained that he and the other accused officers 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 requesting an opportunity to meet with relevant authorities, apologise and commit himself and others involved to pursuing only lawful and peaceful means of addressing grievances.
