Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, a Nigerian Army, has disclosed why he and other military officers allegedly considered overthrowing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, citing insecurity, economic hardship and concerns over governance.
Ma’aji, who is facing trial before a General Court Martial over the alleged coup plot, reportedly told military investigators that the idea of military intervention was first discussed toward the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
“Things particularly got out of control towards the end of Buhari’s administration when corruption and nepotism became the order of the day.” He stated
He said the group was concerned about the worsening security situation, corruption and other challenges confronting the country at the time.
Ma’aji claimed that he later revived the plan after some officers encouraged him to reconsider the idea. He also disclosed that he contributed personally to efforts to finance the alleged operation, including through the sale of some of his properties.
The colonel, however, denied that his failure to secure promotion to the rank of brigadier general was the primary reason for his involvement, although he acknowledged that the setback occurred around the period when the alleged plot was revived.
“Most of the officers involved share the same sense of patriotism, love of country and genuine desire for positive change,” he wrote.
He said the group subsequently became more concerned about developments under the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, economic reforms, taxation, electricity tariffs, insecurity and allegations of corruption.
Ma’aji further pointed to growing frustration among young Nigerians, including concerns over unemployment and the rising cost of living, as factors that influenced the group’s thinking.
He also referenced major protests, including the #EndSARS demonstrations and the #EndBadGovernance protests, claiming that the government’s handling of such unrest contributed to the perception among some members of the group that the country required a major political change.
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