Vatsa Family Condemns Babangida’s Memoir: “A Reference Manual for Criminals”

The release of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s (IBB) memoir, A Journey of Service, has ignited a firestorm of criticism, particularly from the family of the late General Mamman Jiya Vatsa. They have condemned the book as a collection of “distorted facts” designed to manipulate historical narratives and mislead future generations.

The Execution That Still Haunts History

General Mamman Vatsa, an esteemed military officer, poet, and statesman, was executed on March 5, 1986, following accusations of plotting a coup against the Babangida regime. Despite a long-standing friendship between the two generals, Babangida sanctioned Vatsa’s execution, a decision that remains deeply controversial.

Decades later, his family insists that the allegations were fabricated, and they view the memoir as a desperate attempt to justify an indefensible act.

A Book of “Lies and Blackmail”

Jonathan Vatsa, a cousin and spokesperson for the Vatsa family, launched a scathing attack on the memoir, stating:

“General Babangida has long abandoned any semblance of honor. His book is nothing but a compendium of lies and blackmail. Rather than a reference material for scholars, it serves as a manual for criminals.”

He further argued that the memoir deliberately distorts historical facts, particularly surrounding the events that led to General Vatsa’s execution.

Identity Questions and Hidden Truths

Jonathan Vatsa raised an intriguing question regarding Babangida’s name, alleging inconsistencies in his personal history:

“Northerners don’t bear the name Badamosi. That name is common among the South-West people. Why did he change it?”

The implication? A possible attempt to mask elements of his past, raising fresh doubts about Babangida’s credibility.

June 12 Annulment: A Blame Game?

The annulment of Nigeria’s historic June 12, 1993, presidential election remains one of the nation’s most contentious political events. In A Journey of Service, Babangida shifts responsibility onto the late General Sani Abacha, claiming he played a decisive role in nullifying the election results.

Jonathan Vatsa firmly rejected this claim, countering:

“How can he blame Abacha when he was the Head of State? The man he accused is no longer alive to defend himself. This is an insult to Nigerians who know the truth.”

This assertion reinforces the belief that Babangida’s book is less about historical accuracy and more about reputation management.

A Legacy of Betrayal and Regret

For the Vatsa family, the pain of their loss remains raw, exacerbated by Babangida’s continued narrative manipulation. Jonathan Vatsa expressed the family’s sorrow and frustration:

“IBB is still troubling a dead man and his family. People saw how our brother’s life was taken, but Babangida doesn’t know how his own story will end.”

He suggested that public reactions to the memoir confirm that many Nigerians believe General Vatsa’s execution was driven by envy, personal malice, and political paranoia rather than genuine national security concerns.

The Verdict: A Memoir Without Integrity?

Babangida’s memoir was intended to cement his legacy, but instead, it has reopened old wounds, rekindling unresolved debates about justice, truth, and historical accuracy. The Vatsa family’s fierce condemnation serves as a stark reminder that history cannot be rewritten at will—especially when the wounds of betrayal remain fresh in the hearts of those left behind.

The battle over historical truth rages on. While Babangida’s memoir attempts to shape the narrative, the voices of those who remember—and those who refuse to be silenced—continue to challenge its legitimacy.

The question remains: Will history absolve Babangida, or will it confirm the suspicions of betrayal and injustice?