The apex northern sociocultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed profound sadness over the passage of its former Board of Trustees chairman, Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni.
LEADERSHIP reports that the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang on Thursday night, announced the passing of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after a protracted illness at the age of 82.
ACF in a statement of condolence issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba described Lt.-Gen. J.T. Useni as an amiable man, a quintessential soldier, officer and gentleman, war hero, military administrator and nationalist.
The Forum recalled his several role as Minister of Transport and also the Federal Capital Territory, distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, elder statesman, community leader in his home state of Plateau, among other numerous command positions in the Nigerian military and other key national posts he had held in his life and times.
The ACF said in all his outings, the late General gave his all, stressing that “Lt. General Useni was also a one-time Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of ACF (2009 – 2014), in which role he was a progressive and inclusive leader. For these sacrifices to Nigeria, late Lt. General certainly deserves to be mourned as one of the architects of modern Nigeria.”
As the nation awaits the announcement of funeral obsequies by the family, ACF extended its condolences to the Useni family and friends, colleagues in the military, both serving and retired, as well as the Government and peoples of the Plateau State.