1986 Coup: Community seeks state pardon for late Gen. Vatsa

The people of Vatsa community in Lapai local council of Niger State have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to use the June 12, 2021, Democracy Day celebration to grant Late General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, who was executed in an alleged coup of 1986, state pardon.

It would be recalled that the Late General Vatsa, alongside nine Military officers, were executed by the Military after trials for an alleged coup plot to overthrow former Military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, 35 years ago.

Isah Aliyu Vatsa, who made the plea on behalf of the people and Late General Vatsa’s family in Minna, stressed that if pardon is granted by President Buhari, it will go a long way in heaing the wound inflicted on the entire people of Vatsa community following his execution by the military.

Aliyu explained that March 5 every year was set aside to mark the killing of the Late General, adding that, granting him pardon like other prominent Nigerians who had enjoyed similar gesture will enable his people run a foundation in his honour.

“The same way former President Olusegun Obasanjo, General Oladipo Diya, Late MKO Abiola and many others were all granted state pardon and integrated into the society, we urge President Buhari to pardon Late General Mamman Vatsa. As former Minister for Federal Capital Territory, Late Gen. Vatsa contributed to the development of Abuja, as at the time he was implicated in the alleged coup,” Aliyu said.

Aliyu admitted that since the execution of the Late General Mamman Vatsa, life has not been the same with the family and the entire community.

“We are appealing to all his friends still living to support this noble course so that the Late General will be granted state pardon. This year’s June 12 Democracy day is an opportunity for President Buhari to wipe our tears,” Aliyu said.