…..Seeks pardon
Maaji said his actions were motivated by patriotism, frustration over worsening conditions in Nigeria.
By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, has appealed for forgiveness, saying his actions were motivated by patriotism, frustration over worsening conditions in Nigeria and concerns about the welfare of military personnel.
Ma’aji, in a statement made available on Monday, apologised for his involvement in the alleged plot and asked the authorities to consider the circumstances that led to his participation, insisting that he was not driven by personal ambition or the pursuit of political power.
The colonel said concerns about poor governance, insecurity, declining living standards and inadequate welfare for members of the Armed Forces had contributed to discussions among some military officers about the state of the country.
He said the situation had become increasingly distressing, particularly for ordinary Nigerians and military personnel serving in difficult operational environments.
“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.”
The officer maintained that his actions were not motivated by personal ambition.
“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,” he said.
According to Ma’aji, the economic and security challenges facing Nigeria have also affected members of the military, including soldiers wounded during operations and families of serving personnel.
He called for urgent reforms to the welfare system of the Armed Forces, particularly in healthcare, housing, pensions and support for military families.
The colonel also raised concerns about the treatment of wounded soldiers, warning that weaknesses in the casualty management system could affect the morale of troops still serving in operational areas.
He urged the authorities to establish a formal mechanism through which military personnel could communicate grievances directly to the Chief of Army Staff without fear of victimisation.
Ma’aji also criticised what he described as godfatherism and inequality in military postings and career progression, arguing that some officers had spent years in operational areas while others had little or no exposure to such assignments.
While maintaining that his motivation was primarily concern for the country, 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.
Ma’aji 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.
He also denied the involvement of foreign collaborators, explaining that different individuals became involved at different stages of the discussions.
According to him, some participants expressed concerns about the condition of Nigeria, while others subsequently withdrew or failed to provide resources they had initially promised.
The colonel said his arrest and subsequent detention had given him an opportunity to reconsider his actions and recognise that grievances within the military could be addressed through lawful channels.
“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 appealed to the authorities to pardon those involved, describing them as first offenders and stressing that some of the officers had previously served in military operations, particularly in the North-East.
“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.
He described his detention as “challenging and revealing”, saying the experience had made him reconsider how he and other officers should channel their concerns.
Beyond military welfare, Ma’aji expressed concern over the wider economic difficulties confronting Nigerians, including rising living costs, access to education, corruption and the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
He urged the Federal Government to invest savings from subsidy reforms in measures that would cushion the effect of the policy 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 undermine the morale and confidence of security personnel.
On the alleged coup plot, Ma’aji insisted that the movement was not conceived as an attempt to destabilise Nigeria but was driven by what he described as 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 appealed for an opportunity to meet with the relevant authorities, apologise and commit himself and other officers involved to pursuing their grievances through lawful and peaceful means.
He also urged the authorities to consider the officers’ contributions to national security alongside the allegations against them, stressing that they had no other country to call their own.
Ma’aji’s statement comes as the allegations surrounding the purported plot continue to draw attention, with the officer seeking leniency while acknowledging that the course of action allegedly contemplated was wrong.
He said he had learnt from the experience and would not pursue such a course again if granted pardon.