Former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida said that he had to decide between his friend and the safety of the country.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Despite their close connection, Babangida claimed that secret investigations had produced “incontrovertible evidence” of Mamman Vatsa’s involvement, which resulted in his execution in 1986. Babangida’s defense was rejected by Vatsa’s family, who maintained that the execution was unfair and politically motivated.
General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), the former head of state, has spoken out about the execution of his childhood friend General Mamman Vatsa, saying he had to decide between his allegiance to the country and his personal loyalty. Babangida explained in his autobiography, A Journey of Service, which was published on February 20, 2025, how he initially learned of Vatsa’s purported coup intentions through rumors. Generals Nasko, Garba Duba, and Wushishi were among the senior military officers he consulted after initially rejecting them as unfounded. Subsequent secret investigations, he claimed, produced “incontrovertible evidence” that Vatsa had financed officers involved un a plot to topple the government.
Babangida described how he confronted Vatsa about the accusations head-on but received resolute denials. Investigations, however, showed a different reality, according to The Punch. I made the decision to face the main suspects because of our government experience and the advantage of hindsight from earlier rumors. I questioned Vatsa directly when the commotion around the purported coup got too loud.
In an attempt to learn the truth, Naso also stepped in, but Vatsa denied all of it. Military intelligence carried on with its clandestine inquiry in the interim. Babangida asserted that arrests were made after significant evidence surfaced. Lt-Col. Musa Bitiyong was one of the people involved; he claimed to have received N50,000 for an agricultural project from Vatsa.
He claimed that the strategy includes intentions to sabotage important Air Force equipment and attack Lagos’ Eko Bridge. Additionally, intelligence sources indicated attempts to shoot down or hijack the presidential aircraft. I had a strong sense of betrayal on a personal level. However, it became evident that the coup planners needed to be put to death once the military tribunal finished its investigation.
In March 1986, Vatsa and nine other officers were put to death. After giving the choice some thought, Babangida acknowledged that it was painful but essential. They had plotted a violent takeover that might have descended into anarchy. “I had to decide between protecting the future of the country and saving a friend,” he stated. Additionally, he emphasized that every member of the military was aware of the repercussions of a failed coup attempt.
“The punishment was obvious and unambiguous. Seeing him die in such a way made me feel a little sad as a person. However, the stability of the country and the unity of the military have to come first. Babangida, who insisted that the execution was essential for national security, also charged that Vatsa’s family members and certain political personalities were trying to politicize it.
Babangida’s explanation is rejected by Vatsa’s family. Jonathan Vatsa, a relative of the deceased general, responded to Babangida’s story by denouncing the former leader’s defense of the execution. He accused Babangida of removing a perceived threat and called it an injustice. “I’ve always maintained that his death was unjustified. He didn’t deserve to pass away. Although he was given a death sentence by the military tribunal, there was no justification for his execution.
He was entitled to appeal, but they declared he had been dead an hour earlier before he could even submit an appeal. Why was an innocent guy put to death so quickly? “Said Jonathan.” According to Jonathan, Vatsa’s death had political motivations. They viewed him as a danger. The things they accomplished would not have been possible if he had been living. Family members of Vatsa have redoubled their demands for compensation and a review of the circumstances surrounding his execution by the Nigerian government. “Justice is due to our family. Jonathan argued that the government ought to accept responsibility and admit the damage done to Vatsa if Babangida genuinely regrets his actions.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
