Former FCT Minister Useni Dies At 81
By Juliet Vincent
A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Senator Jeremiah Useni, is dead. He was 81 years old.
Born on 16 February 1943, the cause of Useni’s death was not made known.
Lt.-Gen. Useni’s death was announced by Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, in a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere on Thursday night.
Governor Mutfwang described Useni’s passing as a tremendous loss to his family, the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the nation.
Mutfwang said Useni exemplified leadership, commitment to service, and tireless efforts to promote peace and security, particularly in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State.
He noted that General Useni’s tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State, will forever be remembered.
According to the statement, the Governor deeply regrets to announce to the citizens of Plateau State and all patriotic Nigerians, the passing of the former minister.
Governor Mutfwang recounted 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.
He said after retiring from the military, General Useni transitioned into politics, where he continued his service to the nation.
He served as Deputy Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and was elected Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District in 2015 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The Governor commended General Useni’s life of selfless service, noting his profound contributions to the military, politics, and community.
He emphasized that the General’s legacy of compassion, kindness, generosity, and dedication to the well-being of others will endure in the lives of those he impacted.
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 Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), 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.
Speaking in April 2008, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Aliyu Modibbo Umar, blamed problems with the Abuja Master Plan on the administration of Useni as a minister under the Abacha military government.
In August 2001, he was appointed head of a delegation from the Arewa Consultative Forum to meet and discuss common goals with Northern state governors and other leaders.
In 2003, he was Deputy National Chairman, North for the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). In November 2004, he was locked in an internal ANPP struggle with Chief Donald Etiebet, the National Chairman.
In May 2006, he left the ANPP to become chairman of a new party, the Democratic People’s Party, taking with him other members of the progressive wing of the ANPP.
However, he was suspended indefinitely in December 2008, for saying the death of Ken Saro-Wiwa was a national sacrifice. He was succeeded by Biodun Ogunbiyi, who criticized Useni’s poor leadership, resulting in failure to win any seats in the Senate or House of Representatives in the April 2007 elections.
Useni ran for election as Senator for Plateau South in April 2011 on the DPP platform, but was defeated by Victor Lar of the PDP.
He later on ran for election as Senator for Plateau South In 2015 under the People’s Democratic Party which he won.
