3 weeks ago
23
From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 General Elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has described the late Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni as an angel in army uniform who touched many lives.
Prince Adebayo made this statement when he led members of the party on a condolence visit to Useni’s family in Abuja.
Adebayo praised Useni’s lifelong service, emphasising his devotion to justice and helping people, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic background.
He noted that Useni, who served as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister during military rule, always prioritised humanity.
He credited Useni with transforming Abuja into a city for the people, pointing out that he allocated land to small traders and relocated, rather than demolished, homes in disadvantaged areas.
“During military rule, he transformed Abuja into the city of the people. Politicians today must ensure it remains a city for the people, not just the government,” Adebayo said.
Adebayo also highlighted Useni’s role in uniting Nigeria from 1966 onward and recalled a key moment in 1998 when Useni remained professional despite political pressures.
He noted that when the Nigerian Head of State died in 1998, Useni, as the most senior officer, did not politicise the situation or seek personal advantage.
In his remarks, the SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, described Useni as a great leader with an outstanding legacy.
He described his death as a national loss and praised his simplicity and patriotism.
“At 30, every Nigerian knew his name. We never heard negative things about him, only positive reports,” Gabam added.
Responding on behalf of the family, Useni’s first child, Mrs Julcit Bali, expressed gratitude to the SDP leadership for their visit and kind words about her father.
She described her father as deeply generous. “Baba was not just a father to us, but to many. Even in the hospital, he still gave to others,” she said.
The late Jeremiah Useni passed away on January 23 at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness.
English (US) ·