By Awwal Umar Kontagora The family of the late General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, who was executed over allegations of involvement in a coup again...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The family of the late General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, who was executed over allegations of involvement in a coup against General Ibrahim Babangida in 1986, has strongly reacted to claims made by Babangida in his autobiography. Babangida asserted in the book that the execution was justified due to sufficient evidence implicating General Vatsa in the coup plot.
Speaking at a press briefing in Minna on Tuesday, the family’s spokesperson, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, a former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism in Niger State, described the autobiography as a collection of lies and deceit. Vatsa, a cousin of the late General, said, “General Babangida has lost all sense of honor over the many lies contained in his belated autobiography.”
Vatsa claimed he initially refrained from commenting until reading the book, which he criticized as unsuitable for future generations. “This book is not a reference material for young people but a perfect reference for criminal-minded individuals,” he said. Vatsa questioned Babangida’s integrity, accusing him of distorting facts and denying his own identity.
He further alleged that Babangida changed his name from Badamosi to Babangida to claim northern origin. “Where did he get the name Badamosi? Northerners don’t bear that name; it’s common among the southwestern people. A man who denies his tribe and identity is not fit to live,” Vatsa said.
The former APC publicity secretary also accused Babangida of dishonesty regarding the annulment of the June 12 election. “How can he claim that Abacha annulled June 12 when he was the Head of State? If he truly was in control, why couldn’t he retire Abacha? His claim of fearing Abacha loyalists proves he was not the genius some media portrayed.”
Vatsa lamented the continued pain inflicted on the Vatsa family, saying, “Even in death, Babangida refuses to let General Vatsa rest in peace. But Nigerians now see that the killing of Vatsa was driven by envy and malice. Vatsa had an identity; he came from a home.”
Vatsa criticized those who attended the book launch, stating, “It’s regrettable that such personalities gathered to celebrate a book full of lies. How can Nigerians celebrate someone who inflicted so much pain on the nation? The reactions following the book’s release show that the execution of General Vatsa was unjust.”
Concluding his remarks, Vatsa recalled the late General’s words during his trial: “The day the Nigerian Army starts insulting itself, others will join. Babangida, through this book, has insulted himself, and now others will follow.”
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