Jeremiah Timbut Useni (February 16, 1943 – January 23, 2025) was a towering figure in Nigeria’s military and political history, whose influence spanned decades of service to the nation. A retired Nigerian army lieutenant general, Useni’s career was marked by numerous high-profile roles, including his tenure as the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, under the Sani Abacha military regime.
He attended local schools before enrolling in the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria in 1962, a prestigious military institution known for training future military officers. His decision to join the military at a young age marked the beginning of a career that would define his life for decades.
Jeremiah Useni was married and had several children, although he largely kept his family life private. His children are reportedly involved in both business and politics, continuing the legacy of public service that their father established.
In line with traditional Nigerian family values, Useni maintained strong ties to his extended family and his community in Plateau State. His family’s involvement in his political and business activities helped cement the Useni name as a significant one in the region.
Useni first rose to national prominence in 1984 when he was appointed Military Governor of the then-defunct Bendel State, which was later split into Edo and Delta States.
His leadership in that role made him a household name. His time as FCT Minister during the Abacha years, coupled with his later work as Nigeria’s Minister for Transport and Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army, cemented his place as a significant player in the country’s political and military circles.
Beyond his military service, Useni was also a force in the political realm. He served as the Deputy National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and later founded the Democratic People’s Party (DPP), where he led a progressive faction.
Although his time in the DPP was marked by internal conflicts, including the controversial remarks he made about the death of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, Useni’s ambition for political leadership never wavered.
In 2011, Useni made a bold bid for the Plateau South Senatorial seat under the DPP, but was narrowly defeated. However, his political resilience saw him return to the fray, this time as a candidate for the Senate under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015, where he triumphed and was elected Senator for Plateau South.
Useni’s political journey took another dramatic turn in 2018 when he ran for governor of Plateau State on the PDP platform. Although he was narrowly defeated by incumbent Simon Lalong, his commitment to justice led him to challenge the results in court, alleging discrepancies in Lalong’s election credentials. Despite his efforts, the courts ruled against him, ending his hopes of leading the state.
Throughout his career, Useni was a man of conviction, navigating both the military and political landscapes with determination, even as he faced controversies and setbacks. His legacy remains as a leader who played an instrumental role in shaping Nigeria’s modern history, and his impact will continue to echo across the country.
Jeremiah Useni passed away on January 23, 2025, leaving behind a complex and storied legacy that reflects the dynamic and tumultuous nature of Nigeria’s political history.
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