IBB’s Book Is a ‘Reference Material for Criminals’ – Vatsa Family Slams Memoir

The family of late General Mamman Vatsa has strongly criticized Ibrahim Babangida’s (IBB) new book, calling it a “reference material for criminals.” Read more on their reaction.

The family of the late Gen. Mamman Jiya Vatsa, who was executed in 1986 for allegedly plotting a coup against Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), has criticized the former military Head of State’s recently released memoir as “a compilation of distorted facts” and referred to it as “an ideal reference material for criminals.”

Jonathan Vatsa, the family spokesperson and a cousin of the late General, expressed outrage during a press conference in Minna on Tuesday. He criticized Babangida’s claim that Vatsa’s execution was justified based on evidence allegedly implicating him in a coup attempt.

General Babangida is perceived as having compromised his integrity due to the numerous falsehoods found in his delayed autobiography.

“Babangida’s book is filled with falsehoods and manipulations,” Jonathan Vatsa commented. “It’s a compilation of twisted information that serves not as a resource for the younger generations, but rather appeals to those with criminal intent.”

He raised doubts about Babangida’s identity, pointing out that Babangida himself admitted to changing his name from Badamosi to better align with the northern region.

“Northerners typically do not carry the name Badamosi; it’s closely associated with people from the South-West,” Vatsa stated.

The former publicity secretary of the Niger State APC alleged that Babangida lied about who was responsible for annulment of June 12 election, asserting that it was actually Babangida’s decision rather than General Sani Abacha’s.

Why would he claim that Abacha annulled the election when, as Head of State, he was in control?

The Vatsa family spokesperson mentioned that, regrettably, the individual he accused of annulling June 12 and all those involved in the controversy are no longer around to share their side of the story. Therefore, no one with a serious disposition should consider the book credible.

He further expressed regret that even after passing, Babangida has continued to deny the late General Vatsa and his family any peace.

IBB continues to cause distress for the deceased and his entire family. While people have witnessed our brother’s fate, Babangida remains unaware of how his own story will conclude.

We are pleased to see that the response from Nigerians following the alleged book presentation indicates that General Vatsa’s killing was driven by envy, malice, and hatred.