By Olaitan Ibrahim
A retired Lieutenant-General who served as the minister of the Federal Capital Territory Jeremiah Useni, has died at at the age of 82.
The death of Useni who served as minister in the government of late General Sani Abacha, was confirmed on Thursday night, by the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang.
A statement by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere said, “The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb 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), Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Useni.
“The distinguished elder statesman passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 82, following a protracted illness. The passing of General Useni is a tremendous loss not only to his immediate family but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the entire nation.”
Useni after retirement from the military, joined politics. In 2003, he was Deputy National Chairman, North for the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
In May 2006, he dumped the ANPP and became chairman of a new party, the Democratic People’s Party.
In 2015, he ran for election as Senator for Plateau South In 2015 under the People’s Democratic Party and won.