Victor Ezeja
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed sadness over the passing of former Federal Capital Territory minister, Lieutenant-General Jeremiah Timbut Useni.
Atiku described the demise of Useni, as “a monumental loss of a powerhouse insider and institutional library of the country.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to a statement a shared by Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, the former vice president in a condolence message on Friday, paid tribute to Useni saying he was “a fine soldier, astute public administrator, people’s oriented politician, and a kindhearted peace lover and conflict mediator.”
Useni, who also as served minister of Transport, died on Thursday at the age of 81. He passed on after a protracted illness and shortly before his 82nd birthday which is on 16 February.
The plateau-born octogenarian transitioned into politics after retiring from the military.
According to Atiku, the ever-smiling army top gun was a jolly good fellow famously known in social circles as ‘merry Jerryman’ for his affable and amiable character.
The frontline opposition leader prayed for peaceful repose of Useni’s soul and for strength and comfort for his family to bear the irreparable loss.
“The great deeds of General Useni towards nation building are too tangible and visible to be obliterated in a jiffy,” he noted.
The former Vice President also commiserated with the military that he served with distinction and the people of Plateau State, whom he represented as a distinguished senator, adding that he had an illustrious career and personality.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
