President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, former Senate President David Mark and the Arewa Consultative Forum led the line of prominent individuals and groups who paid glowing tributes to the departed former FCT minister, Lt-Gen. Jeremiah Useni.
Useni died on Thursday at the age of 82 after a prolonged battle with ill health. He had held many notable positions including Governor of the old Bendel State, Minister of Transport, and Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, yesterday, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over Useni’s passing.
He extended his condolences to the family, friends, military colleagues and political associates of the late elder statesman.
Tinubu commended Useni’s courage and dedication throughout his military career, noting that he inspired a generation of young officers to prioritise national interests over personal gain.
The President also acknowledged Useni’s contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape, highlighting his role as deputy national chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and his tenure as the senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District.
“Lieutenant-General Useni demonstrated courage and dedication throughout his military career and made a significant impact in politics,” President Tinubu remarked.
He prayed for the repose of Useni’s soul and comfort for his bereaved family, urging them to find solace in the legacy of service and patriotism the late general left behind.
ACF laments exit of ‘war hero’
The Arewa Consultative Forum yesterday expressed sadness over the passing of Lt.-Gen Useni (rtd), describing him as a war hero.
A statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of ACF, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba in Kaduna described Useni as a “quintessential soldier, officer and gentleman” who gave his all in service to Nigeria.
The statement said: “ACF has learnt with profound sadness the passage to Eternal Glory of Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Useni.
“He was a war hero, military administrator, nationalist, severally Minister of Transport and also the Federal Capital Territory, Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, elder statesman, and community leader in his home state of Plateau, among other numerous command positions in the Nigerian Military and other key national posts he had held in his life and times.”
The ACF extended its condolences to Useni’s family, friends, colleagues, and the government and people of Plateau State, describing his passing as a great loss to the country.
Useni, it said, would be remembered as one of the architects of modern Nigeria.
Wike: Big tree has fallen
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, described the death of Useni, one of his predecessors, as the “fall of one of the biggest trees in the forest of Nigeria”.
Wike said the retired Army General will be missed by all.
Reacting to the death of General Useni through his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister said Useni was a leader Nigerians will never forget for helping to develop the FCT when he served as the Minister between 1993 and 1998.
Wike said: “From joining the Army at the age of 14 to becoming the Military Governor of the defunct Bendel State, Minister of Transport, Quarter-Master General of the Nigeria Army, FCT Minister and Senator for the Plateau South of Plateau State, Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Useni, can be said to be among those Nigerians who saw it all and lived a life of service to the country.
“He was a jolly good fellow, fondly called ‘Jerry Boy,’ who took service to the people as his number one priority.
“Nigerians, especially the Tarok people of Plateau State, will never forget the late General for epitomising great virtues.
“He will be sorely missed by the entire people of Plateau State, Nigerian Armed Forces and Nigerians in general.
“On behalf of myself and residents of the FCT, I mourn the departure of General Jeremiah Timbut Oseni, a great man, a patriot, a fine military officer, a politician, a peacemaker and a man of faith in the Almighty God.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
His death shocking, says Gov Mutfwang
Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, said the death of Useni came as a shock, describing it as a tremendous loss to the state, the Nigerian Armed Forces and Nigeria as a nation.
In a statement by Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Dr.Gyang Bere, the Governor Mutfwang “deeply regrets to announce to the citizens of Plateau State and all patriotic Nigerians, the passing of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)”.
The Governor highlighted General Useni’s exemplary leadership and commitment to service, which he said left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape.
He noted that General Useni’s tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State, will forever be remembered.
Governor Mutfwang recalled the illustrious career of the late General, who served Nigeria with distinction in various capacities, including as Minister of Transport, Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army, and Minister of the FCT.
The Governor commended General Useni’s life of selfless service, noting his profound contributions to the military, politics and his community.
He said the deceased General’s legacy of compassion, kindness, generosity and dedication to the well-being of others will endure in the lives of those he impacted.
“On behalf of my family, the government, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest sympathies to the President, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the immediate family, and all those mourning the loss of this distinguished elder statesman,” Governor Mutfwang said.
He prayed that God grants the family, Plateau State and the nation the strength and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
He also asked for God’s divine presence to comfort and provide solace in the days ahead.
Useni was leader for all seasons, says David Mark
Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, yesterday lamented the demise of Lt.-Gen Jeremiah Useni, saying “we have lost a hero.”
He described General Useni as a distinguished officer and gentleman for all seasons.
Senator Mark, according to a statement by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of General Useni. My heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, colleagues, government and people of Plateau State and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“General Useni was a gallant soldier and a pragmatic politician who served the nation with honour and dignity.”
Senator Mark stated that Useni was a successful military officer and a vibrant politician who gave his all for the good of the nation.
“His selfless services, bravery and leadership will forever be remembered and honoured.”
Senator Mark recalled that Useni was one of the leaders who laid the foundation for subsequent developments in FCT.
The former Senate President prayed that Useni’s legacies continue to inspire future generations and that God in His infinite mercy grant the deceased eternal rest.
