THIRTY-five years after the execution of Major General Mamman Vatsa for allegedly plotting a coup, the family and people of Gulu Vatsa community of Niger State have appealled to the Federal Government to grant him pardon, saying he fought for the unity of Nigeria.
Speaking with our Correspondent on behalf of the community and the family in Minna, former Spokesman for the All Progressives Congress, Jonathan Vatsa, appealed to all friends and classmates of Mamman Vatsa to join their voices.
He explained that the appeal became necessary in view of the sacrifices made by the late Major General Mamman Vatsa to keep Nigeria one.
Jonathan Vatsa who is a former commissioner for Information in the state said the family intended to float a foundation in honour of late Mamman Vatsa to cater for widows and orphans, an effort which could only become viable if the Federal Government granted him pardon.
He said, “I want to also call on friends and course mates of the late Mamman Vatsa to support us in talking to President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency consider pardoning our late brother and father, General Mamman Vatsa.
“To let you know, due to the trauma, some family members of late General Mamman Vatsa went through hell; his wife died, two of his children, including former chief of staff, Government House, Minna, Haruna Vatsa, died.
“We call on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Government to pardon him as was done to late Chief Moshood K.O. Abiola and others.” (Punch)
