The family of the late Gen. Mamman Jiya Vatsa, who was executed in 1986 for allegedly plotting a coup against Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, has condemned the former military Head of State’s recently published memoir, calling it “a collection of distorted facts” and “a suitable reference for criminals.”
Speaking to journalists in Minna on Tuesday, Jonathan Vatsa, the family’s spokesperson and cousin of the late general, expressed outrage over Babangida’s claim that Vatsa’s execution was justified based on evidence linking him to a coup.
“General Babangida has long lost his integrity due to the numerous lies in his overdue autobiography,” Vatsa stated.
He described the book as nothing more than a compilation of falsehoods and blackmail, insisting that it should not serve as a reference for future generations but rather for criminals.
Vatsa also questioned Babangida’s identity, pointing to his admission of changing his name from Badamosi to Babangida to align with the northern region.
“The name Badamosi is not typical among northerners; it is commonly associated with the South-West,” he remarked.
The former Niger State APC publicity secretary further accused Babangida of distorting the truth about the annulment of the June 12 election, asserting that it was Babangida’s decision, not General Sani Abacha’s.
“How can he claim that Abacha annulled the election when he was the one in charge as Head of State? Unfortunately, those he blamed for the June 12 crisis are no longer alive to share their side of the story, which is why no serious-minded person should take this book seriously,” he added.
Vatsa also lamented that even in death, Babangida continues to unsettle the late General Vatsa and his family.
“IBB is still troubling a man who has long passed away, along with his entire family. People saw how our brother’s life ended, but Babangida does not know how his own will end,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with the reactions of Nigerians to Babangida’s book, arguing that the widespread criticism confirms that Vatsa’s execution was motivated by envy, malice, and hatred.