The leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has paid tribute to the late Lieutenant-General Jeremiah Timbut Useni, describing his death as a great loss to Nigeria.
The party’s national chairman, Shehu Gabam, led a delegation, including the SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, on a condolence visit to the family of the former FCT minister yesterday in Abuja.
Mr Gabam described General Useni as a patriot who served Nigeria with distinction.
“We lost a great man, a patriot, an excellent leader. Someone who has been tested and has served this country with dedication. We owe it to him, as a father of the nation, to come together and sympathise with his family,” he said.
He noted that the country has only a few people of General Useni’s calibre remaining and emphasised the need for the younger generation to appreciate the sacrifices made by past leaders in nation-building.
“Many people today do not fully understand what leaders like him went through to keep Nigeria together. It is important to educate the younger generation on the efforts and struggles of those who came before them,” he added.
General Useni, a former military governor and minister, was widely regarded as a key figure in Nigeria’s history. He played significant roles in various political and military capacities, including serving as a senator.
Reflecting on his political career, Mr Gabam said, “His political influence cannot be ignored, even though he was a military officer. As the presidential candidate has noted, you cannot write the history of the FCT without mentioning General Useni. He transformed Abuja into a place for all Nigerians, ensuring inclusivity in land allocation and development.”
Mr Gabam further highlighted General Useni’s impact in Plateau State and his home community, describing him as a “pan-Nigerian” who touched the lives of many.
Prince Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, also paid tribute, describing General Useni as a father figure.
He acknowledged General Useni’s contributions to Nigeria’s political and military history, spanning from the 1966 coup to his years in the Senate.
The SDP delegation emphasised that they had come not for political reasons but to show their respect for a man whose legacy will not be easily forgotten.
