The family of the late Lt. Col. Musa Bitiyong has strongly refuted claims made in the newly launched book by former military ruler General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB).
The book, unveiled on February 20, 2025, allegedly attempts to distort historical events surrounding the murder of Lt. Col. Bitiyong, a respected officer executed in 1986 under Babangida’s regime.
In a statement signed by Amina Zemo, Esq. (née Bitiyong), the family expressed disappointment that their long-held silence has been misconstrued as acceptance of the misleading narrative.
They reaffirmed that Lt. Col. Bitiyong was a God-fearing, upright officer who remained loyal to his country and did not engage in coup plots, contrary to IBB’s claims.
“The statement that my father, late Lt. Col. Musa Bitiyong, ‘had previously been involved in other controversial coup stories’ is a fallacy from the pits of hell,” the statement read. “It is more an apt description of IBB’s infamous forage into our national life.”
The family also questioned the logic behind the accusations that their father, alongside nine other senior officers who had no direct command of troops, could have successfully staged a coup.
They further challenged IBB to explain how a coup could have been planned with a mere N50,000.
With the 39th anniversary of Lt. Col. Bitiyong’s death approaching on March 5, the family reiterated their desire to reflect solemnly on his legacy and the injustices suffered.
They also noted the public’s overwhelming rejection of Babangida’s book, describing it as a failed attempt to rewrite history.
The statement called on Nigerians to critically assess the numerous injustices carried out under Babangida’s rule, including the executions of perceived opponents, and to ensure that the truth about Nigeria’s past remains intact.
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