A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), retired Lt Gen. Jeremiah Useni, is dead.
He passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the age of 82 after a protracted illness.
His death was announced in a statement issued in Jos by Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang.
He described the of the former Minister and Quarter Master General of the Nigerian Army as a tremendous loss not only to his immediate family but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the entire nation.
Highlighting the roles played by the late army general, Governor Mutfwang noted that he left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape with his tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State.
The governor prayed that god grants the family, plateau state, and the nation the strength and fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, and also asked for God’s divine presence to comfort and provide solace in the days ahead.
Brief Profile
Jeremiah Timbut Useni, born 16 February 1943, was a Nigerian army lieutenant general, who served as minister responsible for the administration of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja under the Sani Abacha military junta.
He served Nigeria in various capacities such as Minister for Transport and Quarter-Master General of the Nigeria Army.
Useni also served as Deputy Chairman of one of the significant parties in Nigeria, the All Nigeria Peoples Party.
He was elected Senator for the Plateau South constituency of Plateau State, Nigeria in the March 2015 national elections.
Useni came to national limelight in Nigeria when he was appointed Military Governor of Nigeria’s defunct Bendel State in January 1984.
In 1998, Useni then minister for the capital territory of Abuja, was rumored as a successor to General Sani Abacha. Useni stated that the decision to appoint Abdulsalami Abubakar instead was based on protocol.
Ten years later, Useni insisted Abacha died a natural death, contrary to rumors that he died after eating a poisoned apple.
