“My hands were tied, I couldn’t save Vatsa from death” – Former President Babangida

General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, the former military President of Nigeria, recounted the circumstances surrounding the execution of his childhood friend and military colleague, General Mamman Jiya Vatsa. Babangida spoke during a special program on a local radio station in Minna, marking his 85th birthday. He expressed shock and devastation upon discovering that Vatsa was involved in a 1985 coup plot to overthrow his administration.

The two had grown up together, attending the same school and joining the military at the same time, making it difficult for Babangida to believe the allegations against his friend. After summoning Vatsa and another alleged conspirator, General Mohammed Gado Nasko, to his office, both denied involvement. A military commission later found Vatsa guilty, leaving Babangida with no option but to uphold the consequences prescribed by military law.

Babangida also touched on the annulment of Nigeria's 1993 presidential election, describing it as one of the toughest decisions of his military career, taken in what they believed was Nigeria's best interest at the time. He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and support the current administration, while calling on traditional and religious leaders to prioritize national interest and work towards peace, unity, and progress.