The Vatsa family has rejected Ibrahim Babangida’s new memoir, calling it a collection of lies. Jonathan Vatsa, cousin to the late General, insists his execution was politically motivated. He also accuses Babangida of rewriting history, particularly about the June 12 election annulment. The book, they say, lacks credibility.
The family of late General Mamman Vatsa has strongly criticized former military leader Ibrahim Babangida’s new book, calling it a fabrication meant to mislead Nigerians. Vatsa’s cousin, Jonathan Vatsa, dismissed Babangida’s claim that the late general was guilty of plotting a coup, insisting his execution was politically motivated.
Speaking in Minna, Jonathan Vatsa described the memoir as “a collection of distorted facts” and “a reference material for criminals.” He accused Babangida of rewriting history, particularly regarding the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election, which he claimed was solely Babangida’s decision, not General Sani Abacha’s.
He also questioned Babangida’s origins, alleging that his real name was Badamosi, which he later changed to Babangida to align with northern identity. The family expressed anger that decades after Vatsa’s execution, Babangida continues to tarnish his legacy.
Jonathan Vatsa lamented that Nigerians now see the execution as an act of envy and hatred rather than justice. He concluded that Babangida’s book is not a credible historical account but an attempt to absolve himself of past wrongdoings.
