Prince Adewole, Other SDP Leaders Honor Late General Jeremiah Useni

Prince Adewole, Other SDP Leaders Honor Late General Jeremiah Useni

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

In a heartfelt tribute, the leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), including its 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, gathered to commemorate the life and legacy of the late Lieutenant-General Jeremiah Timbut Useni, whom they described as a monumental loss for Nigeria.

SDP’s national chairman, Shehu Gabam, on Friday, led a delegation in a condolence visit to General Useni’s family in Abuja. Gabam hailed the late general as a patriot who dedicated his life to serving the nation.

“We lost a great man, a patriot, an excellent leader. Someone who has been tested and has served this country with dedication. We owe it to him, as a father of the nation, to come together and sympathise with his family,” he said.

He emphasized that figures of General Useni’s stature are increasingly rare in Nigeria and urged the younger generation to recognize the sacrifices made by past leaders in the quest for nation-building.

“Many people today do not fully understand what leaders like him went through to keep Nigeria together. It is important to educate the younger generation on the efforts and struggles of those who came before them,” he added.

A former military governor and minister, General Useni was a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s history, having held significant political and military roles, including a seat in the Senate.

Reflecting on Useni’s political footprint, Gabam noted, “His political influence cannot be ignored, even though he was a military officer. As the presidential candidate has noted, you cannot write the history of the FCT without mentioning General Useni. He transformed Abuja into a place for all Nigerians, ensuring inclusivity in land allocation and development.”

Gabam further acknowledged Useni’s impact in Plateau State and his home community, praising him as a “pan-Nigerian” who positively influenced many lives.

Prince Adewole Adebayo, also expressing his condolences, regarded General Useni as a father figure and recognized his enduring contributions to Nigeria’s political and military narrative, which spanned from the 1966 coup to his tenure in the Senate.

The SDP delegation made it clear that their visit was not rooted in political motives but in a deep respect for a man whose legacy will be long remembered.