The family of late General Mamman Vatsa, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has demanded that the Nigerian government restore his rank and grant him a full military burial
Vatsa was executed by firing squad in March 1986, after a military tribunal trial found him guilty of plotting a coup against General Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime.
Vatsa, a native of Kaduna State, was a highly respected military officer who served as a member of the Supreme Military Council. He was accused of plotting a coup against Babangida, who had seized power in a military coup in 1985. The trial was widely criticized as a sham, with many believing that Vatsa was innocent and a victim of political power struggles.
The Vatsa family has consistently maintained that General Vatsa was innocent of the charges brought against him. In a recent interview, Jonathan Vatsa, the spokesperson for the family, stated that the family wants General Vatsa’s rank restored and a full military burial. He emphasized that no amount of compensation can bring back General Vatsa, but restoring his honor and dignity would bring closure to the family.
In his autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” Babangida claimed that General Vatsa was guilty of coup plotting. However, the Vatsa family disputes this claim, calling Babangida’s book “full of deceit and distorted facts.” They argue that Babangida’s regime was notorious for its human rights abuses and that General Vatsa’s execution was a politically motivated act.
General Mamman Vatsa was a highly respected military officer who served Nigeria with distinction. He was a member of the Supreme Military Council and played a key role in the development of the Nigerian military. His execution in 1986 was a tragic event that shocked the nation and left a lasting impact on the Vatsa family.
The demand by the Vatsa family for a military burial and rank restoration for General Mamman Vatsa is a call for justice and accountability. It highlights the need for the Nigerian government to acknowledge and make amends for past human rights abuses. As Nigeria continues to evolve and grow, it is essential to confront its past and ensure that justice is served.