The family of late General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, who was executed in 1986 for allegedly plotting a coup against former military Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), has strongly criticized Babangida’s newly released memoir.
Jonathan Vatsa, a cousin of the late General and the family’s spokesperson, addressed journalists in Minna on Tuesday, February 25, describing the book as “a collection of distorted facts” and “a good reference material for criminals.”
“General Babangida is a man who has lost all sense of honor due to the many lies in his belated autobiography,” Jonathan Vatsa stated.
“His book is full of blackmail and fabrications. It is not a reference book for the younger generation but rather for criminals.”
Vatsa dismissed Babangida’s claim that General Vatsa’s execution was justified, arguing that the allegations against him were never proven beyond doubt.
He also accused Babangida of rewriting history, particularly regarding the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
“How can he claim that General Sani Abacha annulled the June 12 election when he [Babangida] was still in control as Head of State?” Vatsa questioned.
“All the key actors in the June 12 saga are no longer alive to counter his claims, and that is why no serious-minded individual should take his book seriously.”
Jonathan Vatsa also raised concerns about Babangida’s identity, questioning his claim of changing his name from Badamosi to Babangida to align with the northern region.
“Northerners don’t bear the name Badamosi; it’s a name more common in the South-West,” he stated, suggesting that Babangida’s past was filled with contradictions.
Expressing frustration over the continued mention of General Vatsa in Babangida’s accounts, the family accused IBB of prolonging their suffering.
“Even in death, Babangida refuses to let General Vatsa and his family rest,” Vatsa lamented.
“Our brother’s fate is known, but Babangida does not know how his own story will end. The reactions of Nigerians after his book launch show that General Vatsa was killed out of envy, malice, and hatred.”