IBB reveals what really happens behind successful military coups in Nigeria

Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us

Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, popularly known as IBB, has disclosed that wealthy civilians have historically played a role in supporting and financing military coups in Nigeria.

IBB made the revelation during an interview with Badeggi 90.1 FM in Minna, Niger State, as part of activities marking his 85th birthday.

The former military ruler stated that no successful military coup in Nigeria had occurred without the involvement of civilians.

He said: “No successful coup in Nigeria’s history has ever happened without the involvement of civilians.”

IBB also reflected on the events surrounding an alleged plot to overthrow his administration in 1985 and the subsequent execution of Mamman Vatsa, who was serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, at the time.

According to him, Vatsa was not only his schoolmate but also someone with whom he shared a close relationship.

IBB explained that Vatsa initially denied any involvement in the alleged coup plot, a position that made it difficult for him to believe the accusations against his close associate.

He recalled summoning Vatsa and Mohammed Gado Nasko to his office after a senior military officer informed him that both men had been linked to the alleged plot.

“When they arrived, I asked them about the reports that they had been mentioned in a plot to topple my government. Both of them denied any involvement.

“While General Gado Nasko was cleared of any wrongdoing, the panel found evidence linking Vatsa to the coup plot,” IBB said.

The former military leader said he was deeply affected when the panel established Vatsa’s alleged involvement in the coup attempt.

He described the development as a devastating moment, stressing that military law left him with no option but to allow the prescribed consequences to take their course.

IBB maintained that despite his personal relationship with Vatsa, he could not intervene to prevent the execution once the military authorities had reached their conclusion.

“There was nothing I could do to exonerate him from the consequences prescribed by military law. My hands were tied. That was how I lost my brother, General Mamman Vatsa,” he added.

Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.