By Ogochukwu Isioma
Former Nigerian military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) has mourned the demise of General Jeremiah Useni (rtd), a former military administrator of the defunct Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States).
In a statement he personally signed on Friday, the elder statesman described Useni, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as a passionate Nigerian, noting that the news of his death came to him as a “rude shock”.
“At 81, he was still full of life, until he fell ill. Just when we were hoping that reprieve had come from his illness, his star suddenly snapped, marking the end of a journey, an era of remarkable life.
“General Useni was a passionate Nigerian who put his all in service to our fatherland. A gentleman officer of extra-ordinary orientation, Useni was a total Nigerian without boundaries,” Babangida noted.
The late Useni served in various capacities in the course of his professional career as an officer, and also excelled as a politician, representing his people of Plateau State at the National Assembly as a senator.
“As a General and Senator, Useni was exemplary and outstanding in his love for Nigeria. I feel a sense of personal loss at the exit of General Jeremiah Useni,” the former Nigerian military leader added.
“He was a very resourceful Nigerian who made friends across the country in his professional trajectory and was very much at home with anyone he came across. You would hardly see the anger of General Useni.
“He had a peculiar laughter that was part of him. His leadership style was result-driven. He was not only effective in delivering results but also knew how to coordinate his subordinates and associates to achieve set goals and objectives.
“He served in various capacities both as a Gentleman Officer and Senator of the Federal Republic. His robust character and relationship with people earned him his moniker; “Jerry Boy”.
“On behalf of my family, I wish to convey our condolences to his family, friends, associates and professional colleagues on this sudden death. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult mournful period.
“May God Almighty comfort his family and grant them the comportment to cope with this irreplaceable loss. Rest in peace, Jerry Boy. Rest on, the people’s General. May your soul continue to rest in perfect peace,” Babangida concluded.
