“Babangida’s Memoir: A ‘Tissue of Lies’ or a ‘Criminal’s Guidebook’?”
The family of the late General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, who was executed in 1986 on accusations of plotting a coup against General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), has strongly criticized IBB’s newly released memoir, labeling it “a collection of distorted facts” and “a reference for criminals.”
Jonathan Vatsa, the family’s spokesperson and a cousin of the late general, expressed his outrage on Tuesday in Minna, responding to IBB’s controversial claim that Vatsa’s execution was justified based on evidence of his involvement in the coup.
“General Babangida has lost any sense of honor with the lies he has written in his autobiography,” Jonathan Vatsa said. “This book is nothing but a heap of lies and slander, containing nothing that should be passed on to future generations—unless, of course, it’s meant to serve as a manual for criminals.”
He went on to question Babangida’s integrity, even pointing out his change of name from Badamosi to Babangida, suggesting the act was an attempt to align himself with the northern region, as the name “Badamosi” is traditionally associated with the South-West.
“Northerners don’t bear the name Badamosi; it’s a name tied to the South-West. It’s a shameful move for someone who claims to represent the North,” Jonathan added.
The former APC publicity secretary of Niger State also accused Babangida of falsifying the history surrounding the annulment of the June 12 elections. He emphatically stated that it was IBB’s own decision, not that of General Sani Abacha, as Babangida claimed in his memoir.
“How could he claim that Abacha annulled the elections when Babangida himself was in control of the country as Head of State?” Jonathan questioned. “Unfortunately, the key figures involved in the June 12 saga are no longer around to tell their side of the story, making it all the more important not to take Babangida’s version seriously.”
Jonathan Vatsa also expressed deep frustration over the ongoing pain the family has endured, even after General Vatsa’s death. According to him, Babangida has continued to torment the family by spreading falsehoods about the late General’s actions.
“It’s clear that even in death, Babangida refuses to allow General Vatsa and his family to have peace,” Jonathan lamented. “Despite everything, people can see that our brother’s execution was driven by envy, malice, and hatred. The reactions of Nigerians to Babangida’s book make it clear that the true story has been distorted for far too long.”
Jonathan concluded by warning that no one should take IBB’s memoir seriously, as it is simply an attempt to rewrite history for personal gain.
