Who Is Jeremiah Useni, Ex-FCT Minister Under Abacha?

Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni, A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and one of  Nigeria’s charismatic military officers, passed away on Thursday 23rd January 2025 at the age of 82 after a protracted illness.

His death was announced in a statement issued on Thursday, by Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang.

The statement described the death of the former Minister as a tremendous loss not only to his immediate family but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the entire nation.

Highlighting the roles played by the late army general, Governor Mutfwang noted that he left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape with his tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State.

Who is Jeremiah Useni?

Jeremiah Timbut Useni was born on the 16th of February 1943, in Langtang, Plateau state. He was a Nigerian army lieutenant general, who served as minister responsible for the administration of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, under the late Sani Abacha military junta.

Jeremiah 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.

He later attended Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, United Kingdom, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army in 1964.

He served Nigeria in various capacities such as Minister for Transport and Quarter-Master General of the Nigeria Army. On his retirement from the Army, the  Langtang-born officer,  joined politics, serving as  Deputy Chairman of the defunct  All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Useni was a one-time Military Governor of Nigeria’s defunct Bendel State from January 1984 – August 1985

In May 2006, he left the ANPP to become chairman of a new party, the Democratic People’s Party, taking with him other members of the progressive wing of the ANPP.
However, he was suspended indefinitely in December 2008, for saying the death of Ken Saro-Wiwa was a national sacrifice. He was succeeded by Biodun Ogunbiyi.

He ran for election as Senator for Plateau South in April 2011 on the DPP platform, but was defeated by Victor Lar of the PDP.

Useni was later elected Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District in 2015 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was for five years, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum(ACF), a social, cultural, and pressure group covering the 19 states in the North.

Jeremiah Useni is married and has several children, although he largely kept his family life private.

Useni’s impact

As a military officer, he served at a critical time in Nigeria’s history, playing a key role in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army, especially during critical periods in the nation’s history and his role in the Abacha regime remains a controversial aspect of his legacy.

However, his transition to politics and his continued influence in Nigerian governance, particularly in Plateau State, underscore his resilience and adaptability.

Useni’s advocacy for rural development, particularly in Plateau State, has had a lasting impact on his community. His business investments, especially in agriculture, have also contributed to local economic growth.

Lt. Gen. Useni’s legacy will be remembered not only as a former minister and military leader but also as a patriot who dedicated his life to the service of his nation.