Harry Archie
A Nigerian Army Colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, has explained why he and others allegedly planned to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
According to Premium Times, Ma’aji said concerns about insecurity, corruption and economic hardship were among the issues discussed by those involved in the alleged coup plot.
He said discussions about military intervention began in 2023, towards the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Ma’aji said the situation had become worse because of what he described as corruption and nepotism.
He said some senior military officers should have taken stronger action to address the country’s worsening security situation.
According to him, the group later began identifying military officers who shared their concerns about the country.
Ma’aji described the officers involved as people who wanted positive changes in Nigeria.
He said the alleged plan was initially put on hold because the group did not have enough money, equipment and manpower to carry it out.
Ma’aji claimed that he personally provided much of the money needed at the early stage.
He also said one Army major contributed N1 million, while another officer allegedly provided money in US dollars on several occasions.
The colonel said the alleged coup plan was later revived after he failed for the second time to get promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 2024.
However, he said his failure to secure the promotion was not the main reason behind the alleged plot.
Ma’aji also cited several government policies and issues as sources of dissatisfaction, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, exchange-rate reforms, taxation, electricity tariffs, corruption and insecurity.
He also mentioned the government’s handling of the #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance protests.
According to him, unemployment and economic hardship had left many young Nigerians frustrated.
Ma’aji’s comments were reported by Premium Times.
The allegations and claims contained in his account could not independently be verified.
The Nigerian government and military authorities had not publicly responded to the claims as of the time of filing this report.
