Northern leaders under the umbrella of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have expressed grief over the death of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), retired General Jeremiah Useni.
 
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has also described the passing of Useni as a tremendous loss not only to his immediate family but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the entire nation. Useni died on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in Paris, at the age of 82, following a protracted illness.
 
In a statement on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammed-Baba, the ACF  described him as “easily amiable,  a quintessential soldier, officer and gentleman, war hero, military administrator, nationalist, severally Minister of Transport and also the Federal Capital Territory, Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, elder statesman and community leader in his home state of Plateau.”
 
The group pointed out that these are among other numerous command positions in the Nigerian military and other key national posts he had held in his life and times. 
 
ACF said: “In all his outings, the late General gave his all. Lt. Gentleman General Useni was also a one-time Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of ACF (2009 – 2014), in which role he was a progressive and inclusive leader. For these sacrifices to Nigeria, late Lt. General certainly deserves to be mourned as one of the architects of modern Nigeria.”
 
Muhammed-Baba added that as the nation awaits the announcement of funeral obsequies by the deceased’s family, ACF extends its condolences to his family and friends, colleagues in the military (serving and retired), as well as the government and people of the Plateau State.
 
Mutfwang, in a statement on Friday,  highlighted Useni’s exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to service, which left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape.
 
He noted that Useni’s tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State, would forever be remembered. Mutfwang recounted the illustrious career of the late General, commending his  life of selfless service.
 
He emphasised that the late General’s legacy of compassion, kindness, generosity, and dedication to the well-being of others will endure in the lives of those he impacted.
 
“On behalf of my family, the government, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest sympathies to the President, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the immediate family, and all those mourning the loss of this distinguished elder statesman,” Mutfwang said.
  
Also, former President of the Senate, David Mark, on Friday, lamented over the demise of Useni saying, “we have lost a hero.” He described Useni as a distinguished officer and gentleman of all seasons.
 
Reacting to the death of Useni in a statement in Abuja, Mark said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of General Useni. My heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, colleagues, government and people of Plateau State and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
  
“General Useni was a gallant soldier and a pragmatic politician who served the nation with honour and dignity.” Mark noted that Useni was a successful military officer and a vibrant politician who gave his all for the good of the nation, adding that, “his selfless services, bravery, and leadership will forever be  remembered and honoured.”