A Good Man’s Last Stand.
Mamman Jiya Vatsa
Vatsa’s Last Word
“I gave this tribunal a precis of my C.V. I do not intend to waste more time on that in this my address of mitigation, but only to refer the tribunal to take note of that submission. Now that you have come to your decision, what else do I say other than to appeal to this honourable tribunal that in passing your
sentence you may bear in mind that I have served this country for over 24 years as a military officer.
“During this period, I performed my duties with dedication, vigour and determination. I have always been loyal to my superiors and subordinates alike. I have in my humble way contributed to the upliftment of the image of our armed forces and Nigerian Army in particular by way I presented myself officially or otherwise, especially through my literary activities.
“I request you to bear in mind that I have never nursed a political or military ambition that is not in conformity with the norms of the profession. For the periods the military has been in government, it was only in the past two years, as from 31st December, 1983, that I have participated in the running of government. I have been a full-time soldier all my military life. That is the path of honour I have chosen for
myself.
“I would request the honourable tribunal to also note that I have never nursed any grudges against anyone. I have tried always to be frank with my colleagues. It’s my way, it’s the way of our training.
You have made your decision that I am guilty. I can’t question your right to say so as a Tribunal.
“However, I shall remain my witness before your judgment, and the testimony
before its justice. Before you pass your sentence on me, I’ll request you to see al
sides of everything, before you decide and while you do, I will like you to keep the lessons in view still yet. I believe the sentence shall not be my final hour. I have God’s promise on that.
May I appeal to you to also take note that I am a married man with family. I have other dependants that I have the obligation of looking after. I will hate to think that by the time you finish with me, my children shall be so scared of the system that they shall never come near it for a lean liberty is better than fat slavery.
“I have made friends for this country in
the international world and to them and
for them, whatever you decide that should happen to me would have an effect on them too.
Despite some obvious limitations, I still want to thank the president
and members of this tribunal for their patience and understanding throughout the trial.
Though each one of us is himself,
because each one of us is different, it’s not easy to see a comrade you have been with,in some cases through the thick and the thin being skinned, but that’s the position we have found ourselves.
#flashback #history #ibb #vatsa