GistReel

A Nigerian Army colonel accused of taking part in an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s government has attributed his actions to deep frustration over the state of the country and conditions within the military.

Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji said he was motivated by what he described as patriotism rather than a personal desire for political power.

His position was contained in fresh court records in which he explained the circumstances surrounding his alleged involvement in the proposed overthrow of the government.

Ma’aji pleaded with the authorities to forgive him and other accused persons, promising that they would not pursue such a course again if granted pardon.

‘There is no hope for the common man’

The colonel said his concerns were shaped by the difficulties he experienced as a serving officer and father of five.

He explained that his salary had made it difficult to meet the needs of his family amid the rising cost of living.

Ma’aji said the situation became more troubling whenever he considered the broader conditions facing Nigerians.

He said:

“What has happened has a very long history, and it is driven by patriotism and I love the job and 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.”

According to him, concerns over insecurity, poor governance, declining living standards and inadequate welfare contributed to the thinking behind the alleged movement.

He said some military personnel became increasingly concerned that the country was moving in the wrong direction.

Career setback also featured in his account

Ma’aji also linked his frustration to his military career.

He said he had twice failed to secure promotion to the rank of brigadier-general.

According to him, some colleagues encouraged him to revive the movement after the second disappointment.

The colonel said discussions about the alleged plan had actually begun during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

However, he maintained that the initiative was still being discussed and mobilised when security authorities moved against those allegedly involved.

He said no definite date had been fixed for any action.

Ma’aji also rejected claims that foreign actors were involved, explaining that people joined the discussions at different stages.

Some, he said, eventually withdrew, while others failed to provide resources they had earlier indicated they could make available.

Detention changed his perspective

The colonel said his arrest and detention had forced him to reconsider how grievances should be handled within the military.

He described the experience as difficult but said it had also helped him understand that there were other ways of communicating concerns without taking the path allegedly pursued by the group.

“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 subsequently urged the military authorities to create a recognised avenue where personnel could raise complaints directly with the Chief of Army Staff.

He said such a system would allow officers and soldiers to express legitimate concerns without fearing punishment or victimisation.

Wounded soldiers and families need more support

A major part of his recommendations centred on military welfare.

Ma’aji argued that the condition of wounded soldiers could influence the willingness of serving personnel to continue risking their lives during operations.

He called for stronger welfare programmes for serving personnel and their families.

He also advocated an expansion of the COAS Loan Programme and a review of the Armed Forces National Health Insurance Scheme.

According to him, the health insurance package should cover serious medical conditions instead of being limited largely to common illnesses.

He also called for a permanent housing programme for military personnel.

Ma’aji proposed that the Armed Forces should have a dedicated department responsible for personnel welfare.

He further called for the return of a car loan scheme for service personnel.

‘Godfatherism’ and unequal postings

The colonel also raised concerns about what he described as godfatherism within the military.

He argued that some officers allegedly require influential people to intervene before they can access opportunities.

He also questioned the disparity in operational postings.

According to him, some officers have spent eight or nine consecutive years on operations, while others have never served in the North-East.

He argued that such disparities could create resentment among personnel who repeatedly face operational risks.

Pension concerns extend beyond serving officers

Ma’aji also turned his attention to retired military personnel.

He said ex-servicemen deserve better treatment after spending their working years serving the country.

He recalled being told by Colonel Adamu that his pension was insufficient to purchase medication for high blood pressure.

The colonel said such situations should concern serving personnel because they would eventually retire themselves.

He therefore called for an improvement in military pensions and better welfare for retired officers and soldiers.

Fuel subsidy removal and rising hardship

Ma’aji’s criticism extended beyond the Armed Forces to the government’s economic policies.

He faulted the manner in which the fuel subsidy was removed, arguing that the process should have been gradual.

He said the policy had increased the pressure on ordinary Nigerians and called on the government to use the savings from subsidy reforms to reduce hardship.

Among his suggestions was the revival of mass transportation schemes to make movement more affordable.

He said:

“An average Nigerian is not asking for too much, just a bare minimum of being able to move from point A to B and also afford three square meals, good health, and the education of their children.”

He also raised concerns about the cost of education, saying many military personnel struggle to afford school fees for their children.

Corruption, budget padding also criticised

The colonel identified corruption as another major problem requiring urgent attention.

He argued that corruption affects virtually every sector and can weaken confidence in government institutions.

Ma’aji also questioned alleged budget padding and the failure to implement projects after funds have been allocated.

He expressed concern that some public officials enjoyed opportunities that were unavailable to younger generations.

According to him, many Nigerians who serve the country cannot afford basic assets such as houses despite spending years in service.

Ma’aji insists motive was love for Nigeria

Despite the allegations against him, Ma’aji maintained that the movement was not intended to destroy the country.

He said those involved were driven by their belief that Nigeria needed significant improvement.

“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 appealed to the authorities to consider the circumstances surrounding the case and show leniency to those accused.

Ma’aji described the accused persons as first offenders and pointed to the military service of some of those involved.

“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.

Defence Headquarters keeps its distance

The fresh revelations have not prompted a public response from the Defence Headquarters.

Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, said the military would not comment on the matter because it is currently before the court.

He said any detailed reaction could amount to sub judice.

Ma’aji, meanwhile, has asked for an opportunity to meet the relevant authorities, apologise and commit himself and the other accused persons to using lawful and peaceful channels to express their grievances.

The case remains before the court, where the allegations against the accused persons are yet to be finally determined.