The family of the late General Mamman Jiya Vatsa has strongly dismissed claims made by retired General Kunle Togun, who recently alleged that Vatsa was indeed involved in the 1986 coup attempt that led to his execution.
In a statement issued in Minna on Tuesday, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, a former commissioner for information, culture, and tourism in Niger State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described Togun’s claims as “fabrications and outright lies.” The family believes these renewed allegations are a continuation of efforts to justify the controversial account presented in General Ibrahim Babangida’s book, The Journey of Service.
General Togun, who served as a military intelligence officer under Babangida’s regime, had insisted in a recent interview that there was substantial evidence proving General Vatsa’s involvement in the coup. He urged Nigerians to stop being sentimental about the events of 1986, further alleging that he had previously warned Babangida against including Vatsa in his administration. Togun compared Vatsa’s fate to that of Brigadier General Iliya Bisalla, who was implicated in the 1976 coup that led to the assassination of then Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed.
Reacting sharply, the Vatsa family stated: “It is evident that the spirit of the late General Vatsa has refused to let those who conspired against him rest. They continue to concoct various narratives in a bid to justify their actions.”
The family maintained that General Vatsa, widely regarded as one of the most brilliant officers of his time, was a victim of envy and political maneuvering. They asserted that despite his tragic execution, they have come to terms with their loss, acknowledging that every human being must eventually answer to their Creator.
Jonathan Vatsa further questioned the logic behind the allegations, pointing out that General Vatsa, who held a ministerial position and had no direct control over military troops, could not have successfully coordinated a coup. He argued that the majority of those arrested in connection with the coup were Air Force officers, making it highly improbable for a coup to be executed solely through air operations.
The Vatsa family also dismissed Togun’s attempt to distance himself from the killing of renowned journalist Dele Giwa, who died in 1986 from a parcel bomb under the Babangida regime. They challenged the credibility of investigations that absolved key military figures of responsibility, stating that it was unlikely for the police to conduct a fair probe into crimes committed during military rule.
Quoting a thought-provoking statement, Jonathan Vatsa said: “Truth is like surgery; it is painful but offers permanent healing. Painkillers may provide temporary relief but leave lasting side effects. Our leaders should learn to embrace the truth so that they can find peace.”
The family urged those peddling fresh allegations to allow General Vatsa to rest in peace and move on with their lives, rather than attempting to rewrite history for personal or political reasons.