The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has described the death of one of his predecessors, Retired Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni, as a great loss to the nation.
Wike, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, in Abuja on Friday, said Useni lived a life of service to the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Useni died on Thursday at the age of 82, after a protracted illness.
“On behalf of myself and residents of the FCT, I mourn the departure of Lt-Gen. Jeremiah Useni.
“He was a great man, a patriot, a fine military officer, a politician, a peacemaker and a man of faith,” Wike said.
The Minister said that Useni would be greatly missed by all Nigerians, describing him as a leader Nigerians would never forget.
He said that Useni, who served as the FCT Minister from 1993 to 1998, contributed immensely to the development of the nation’s capital.
“From joining the Army at the age of 14, to becoming the Military Governor of the defunct Bendel State, Minister of Transport, Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army, FCT Minister and Senator Plateau South, Useni is among Nigerians who saw it all.
“He was a jolly good fellow, fondly called ‘Jerry Boy,’ who took service to the people as his number one priority.
“Nigerians, especially the Tarok people of Plateau will never forget the late General for epitomising great virtues.
“He will be sorely missed by the entire people of Plateau, Nigeria Armed Forces and Nigerians in general.
“May his soul rest in peace,” he said. (NAN)
