Members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has paid a condolence visit to the family of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Late Lieutenant General Jeremiah Useni who died on January 23rd, 2025 at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness.
The party members who were led by the SDP 2023 Presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo, the National Chairman, Mr. Shehu Gabam, former Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Solomon Dalung, among others extolled his legacy as a “great and selfless leader”.
Prince Adebayo during the condolence visit described the Late Lt.-General Jeremiah Useni as an “Angel in army uniform who has touched many lives positively.”
The SDP Presidential candidate also said that General Useni was “devoted to justice and helping people, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic background.”
He noted that Useni, who served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the military government of General Sani Abacha “always prioritises humanity.”
He credited the late Useni for making Abuja a city for the people, noting that he allocated land to small traders, rather than demolishing homes in disadvantaged areas.
Adebayo who highlighted Useni’s role in uniting Nigeria from 1966 onward recalled a crucial moment in 1998 when Useni remained a professional despite political pressures.
He noted that when the former Nigerian Head of State, General Sani Abacha died in 1998, Lt. General Useni was “the most senior officer but did not politicise the situation or seek personal advantage.”
Outstanding legacy
The National Chairman of SDP, Mr. Shehu Gabam, described the late Useni as “a great leader with an outstanding legacy.”
He described his death as a national loss and commended his simplicity and patriotism.
“At 30, every Nigerian knew his name. We never heard negative things about him, only positive reports” Gabam said.
Responding on behalf of the family, the daughter of the late General Useni, Mrs Julcit Bali, expressed gratitude to the SDP leadership for their visit and kind words about her father.
She described her father as deeply generous.
“Baba was not just a father to us but to many. Even in hospital, he still gave to others,” she said.
The late Jeremiah Useni 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.
He also served as the Deputy Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). He was elected Senator for the Plateau South constituency of Plateau State, Nigeria in the March 2015 national elections.
Emmanuel Ukoh
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