The family of the late General Mamman Jiya Vatsa has expressed their response to the presidential pardon granted by President Bola Tinubu, following the Council of State’s approval on Thursday. They welcomed the decision while firmly maintaining that General Vatsa was innocent.
In a statement, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, the family’s spokesperson, expressed gratitude for the President’s compassionate act, describing it as a long-awaited relief. He reiterated that General Vatsa was wrongfully accused and executed in 1986 for an alleged coup attempt.
Hon. Vatsa emphasized that President Tinubu’s pardon has brought a measure of healing to the family after nearly four decades of grief and hardship.
He remarked, “After numerous petitions to various administrations over the years, it is by God’s grace that President Tinubu has finally brought solace to our family, the Gulu Vatsa community, Lapai local government, and the entire state.”
“This moment marks the greatest joy our family has experienced in 39 years since the tragic loss of our father, brother, and uncle. Although nothing can restore his life, we find comfort in the statesmanship demonstrated by President Tinubu. His legacy is now etched in gold, and history will remember him forever,” he concluded.
