From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Former Governors of Plateau State, Sir Fidelis Tapgun and Simon Lalong, as well as the Senator representing Plateau Central, Diket Plang, have mourned the passing of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni (retd.).
Useni, who hailed from Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, died at the age of 82 after a protracted illness.
In a condolence message to the government, people of Plateau State, and the Useni family, Tapgun and Lalong described Useni’s passing as a significant loss to his family, the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the entire country.
Tapgun described the late general as a committed patriot, a seasoned military officer, and an exemplary statesman who dedicated his life to the service of the nation.
Tapgun, who was a former minister and former ambassador to Kenya, noted the former minister’s remarkable role in the development of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and his steadfast commitment to national unity and progress when he served as a Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, stating that his contributions would remain indelible in the annals of Nigeria’s history.
“I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, my Governor, Caleb Muftwang, the good people of the dear State, Plateau, and indeed the entire nation.
“I pray to Almighty God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give his loved ones the fortitude to bear this great loss,” Tapgun said.
In their separate condolence messages, Plang and Lalong also expressed deep shock and sadness over the passing of former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni, at the age of 82.
Lalong said he received with a heavy heart the death of the veteran military general, politician, and elder statesman who served Nigeria with dignity, integrity, and patriotism.
He recalled the accomplished military career of Gen. Useni, who served in various capacities within the Nigerian Army where he left indelible footprints and records of meritorious performance.
Among other positions, Gen. Useni was the Military Governor of the old Bendel State, Minister of Transport, and Quartermaster General of the Nigerian Army.
As FCT Minister, Gen. Useni was instrumental in the development of the capital city, which has progressed to one of the fastest-growing and most successful capital cities in Africa.
Lalong, who represents Plateau South Senatorial District, said the foray of Gen. Useni into politics also recorded successes as he served, among others, as Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District between 2015 and 2019, where he did his best to touch the lives of the people.
Senator Plang, who is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment, and Productivity, also expressed sadness over the death of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni.
In a statement, Senator Plang said the elder statesman’s passing was a huge loss to the people of Plateau State and all of Nigeria, and that his enormous contributions to the military and Nigerian politics under this dispensation would be difficult to forget.
“The elder statesman not only reached the pinnacle of the military but also held a number of positions in the army and was one of those who drove the process of this political dispensation. He was a deputy national chairman of the defunct All Peoples Party (ANPP); he was elected a senator for Plateau South and gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State in 2019.
“Senator Plang, who described the deceased as a colossus of many parts, added that he was also a strong community leader who worked hard for the advancement and peace of both his community and Plateau State overall, adding that he was also brave, unyielding, and intolerant of injustice.
“Therefore, the passing of General Useni on 22 January 2024 is a loss to the nation. Though he lived to the advanced age of 82, his counsel and leadership qualities will be missed.
“I therefore commiserate with the family, the government, the people of Plateau State, and the entire Tarok nation. May God Almighty grant his soul eternal rest.”