ABUJA — Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, who has been accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, has appealed for forgiveness, saying his actions were driven by patriotism and frustration over the worsening socio-economic conditions in the country.
Ma’aji, in a statement made available on Monday, apologised for his involvement in the alleged plot and urged the authorities to temper justice with mercy, insisting that he was motivated by a desire for a better Nigeria rather than personal ambition.
He said concerns over poor governance, insecurity, inadequate welfare for military personnel and declining living standards contributed to the emergence of what he described as a movement among some military personnel.
According to the colonel, the prevailing situation in the country 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.
He added: “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 also alleged that military personnel were facing serious welfare challenges, particularly soldiers wounded in combat, as well as serving officers, their families and other members of the Armed Forces.
He said the alleged movement was still at the stage of mobilisation and discussions when security authorities intervened, stressing that no specific date had been fixed for any action.
The colonel also denied the involvement of foreign collaborators, saying different individuals became involved at various stages of the discussions.
According to him, while some of those approached shared concerns about the state of the country, others eventually withdrew or failed to provide resources they had initially promised.
Ma’aji further linked his involvement to frustrations over 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.
The colonel, however, said his experience after his arrest had changed his outlook and made him realise that there were alternative and legitimate ways of expressing concerns 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.
Calls for Better Military Welfare
Ma’aji called 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 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 reforms in the military’s casualty management system, arguing that the manner in which wounded soldiers are treated could have a significant impact on the morale of personnel serving in operational areas.
He also criticised what he described as godfatherism and inequality in military postings and career progression.
According to him, some officers had spent years participating in military operations while others had little or no operational exposure.
Ma’aji Raises Concern Over Hardship
On the broader Nigerian situation, the colonel expressed concern over rising living costs, access to education, corruption and the impact of fuel subsidy removal on ordinary citizens.
He urged the government to channel resources saved through subsidy reforms into programmes capable of easing the burden on citizens, 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 not intended to destabilise Nigeria, insisting that his actions were motivated by what he described as his love for the country and desire for better governance.
His appeal comes amid the ongoing allegations surrounding the purported plot and the involvement of military personnel, with Ma’aji urging the authorities to consider alternative channels for addressing grievances within the Armed Forces.
