By correspondent in Minna.
Late General.Mamman Vatsa.
Cc) Wikipedia.
Jonathan Vatsa.
As the recent book launch by former President Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) continues to stir mixed reactions, the family of the late Gen. Mamman Jiya Vatsa has expressed strong disapproval.
After reviewing the autobiography, they described it as a collection of misleading information, more suitable for reference by individuals with harmful intentions than for the public.
The Vatsa family, whose patriarch, Gen. Mamman Vatsa, was executed in 1986 on charges of plotting a coup against the then Head of State, Gen. Babangida, has responded to Babangida’s claim in the autobiography that Vatsa’s execution was justified based on purported evidence.
Jonathan Vatsa, a family spokesperson and former Niger State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, told journalists in Minna that the allegations in the book were fabricated to serve the author’s personal agenda. He criticized Babangida for presenting a distorted account of events, calling it an attempt to tarnish the legacy of his late cousin.
“Babangida’s book is full of inaccuracies and is not a material to inspire young people or future generations,” Jonathan Vatsa said. “Rather, it is more suitable as a reference for those who seek to manipulate facts.”
He also expressed regret that Babangida continued to misrepresent the circumstances surrounding the death of his best friend, Mamman Vatsa, even years after the tragic event. “We would not have engaged with him if he had allowed Mamman to rest in peace. But since he keeps distorting the truth, we are left with no choice,” Vatsa said.
Jonathan also questioned Babangida’s identity, recalling that the former president had admitted to changing his name from Badamosi to Babangida to align with a northern identity, something he deemed highly questionable.
Further, Vatsa criticized Babangida’s self-portrayal in the book, calling out contradictions and misleading statements, particularly regarding the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election and Babangida’s failure to retire Gen. Sani Abacha due to fear of political fallout.
“For someone who once vowed not to write a book to avoid damaging others, Babangida’s autobiography is full of contradictions and half-truths,” Vatsa concluded. “It would have been better for him to remain silent and seek personal reflection rather than spreading false narratives.”
Despite the book’s controversial claims, the Vatsa family finds some solace in the growing public awareness of the unjust nature of Mamman Vatsa’s execution, which they now believe was driven by personal malice. The family maintains that Mamman Vatsa’s legacy remains stronger than any attempt to distort history.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
