Jeremiah Useni

Early Life and Background

Jeremiah Timbut Useni was born on February 16, 1943, in Langtang, a town in what is now Plateau State, Nigeria. His early life was rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Tarok people of central Nigeria. Useni received his early education in his hometown, attending primary school where he laid the foundational stones for his future endeavors. His upbringing in a rural setting instilled in him a strong sense of community and discipline, qualities that would later define his long and distinguished career in the Nigerian military and political landscape. Details about his immediate family background during his formative years are not extensively publicized, but it is understood that he hailed from a modest background, common for many who would later rise to prominence through military service in Nigeria.

Education

Useni's educational journey primarily focused on military training, which began when he enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 1964. His initial military education was at the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) in Kaduna, which later evolved into the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). He underwent rigorous training, demonstrating aptitude and commitment, which prepared him for a life in service. Following his foundational training, Useni was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1967, a crucial period during Nigeria's civil war. His pursuit of military excellence did not stop there; he further honed his skills and knowledge at various advanced institutions. He attended the Indian Military Academy, where he gained exposure to international military strategies and practices. Additionally, Useni completed courses at the School of Supply and Transport, a specialized institution crucial for logistics and operational support within the armed forces. He also attended the Command and Staff College, Jaji, a premier institution for senior military officers in Nigeria, where he further developed his strategic thinking and leadership capabilities. These extensive educational and training experiences were instrumental in his rapid ascent through the ranks of the Nigerian Army.

Career

Jeremiah Useni's career is marked by a long and influential trajectory through both military and political spheres. After his commissioning in 1967, he steadily rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army, holding various command and staff positions that prepared him for higher responsibilities. He served as Commander of the Army Service Corps, a vital unit responsible for the logistics and sustenance of military operations. He also held the position of Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, where he was responsible for training future generations of military logisticians. A significant appointment in his military career was Quartermaster General of the Nigerian Army, a role that placed him in charge of the army's supplies and equipment nationwide.

His first major political appointment came in August 1984, when he was appointed Military Governor of Bendel State (comprising present-day Edo and Delta states) by General Muhammadu Buhari. He served in this capacity for one year, until August 1985, focusing on maintaining law and order and implementing developmental projects within the state. Following the 1985 coup that brought General Ibrahim Babangida to power, Useni continued his military service in various capacities.

In 1993, with the annulment of the June 12 presidential elections and the subsequent political crisis, Useni was appointed Minister for Transport and Aviation under the Interim National Government led by Ernest Shonekan. However, this government was short-lived, and when General Sani Abacha seized power in November 1993, Useni became a core member of his regime. He was appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a powerful and highly visible position, which he held for the entirety of Abacha's rule, from November 1993 until Abacha's death in June 1998. During this period, he oversaw the rapid development and administration of Nigeria's capital city, Abuja.

After his retirement from the military as a Lieutenant General following the end of military rule in 1999, Useni transitioned into democratic politics. He initially joined the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and sought the party's presidential ticket in the 2007 general elections, though he was unsuccessful. He later decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), becoming a prominent figure in the party in Plateau State. In the 2015 general elections, Useni successfully contested and was elected as the Senator representing the Plateau South Senatorial District in the National Assembly. He served a full term until 2019, contributing to legislative debates and advocating for his constituents. In 2019, at the age of 76, he ran for the governorship of Plateau State under the PDP platform but was defeated by the incumbent, Simon Lalong.

Major Achievements

Throughout his extensive career, Jeremiah Useni recorded several notable achievements. As Military Governor of Bendel State, despite his relatively short tenure, he was credited with efforts to instill discipline, improve public services, and maintain security within the state. His administration undertook initiatives aimed at local development and governance.

His most prominent administrative role was as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 1993 to 1998. During this period, Useni oversaw significant infrastructural development in Abuja. This included the construction and expansion of major road networks, the development of housing estates, and the provision of essential urban services. He played a pivotal role in shaping the physical landscape of the capital city, transforming it into the modern administrative hub it is today. Many of the key infrastructure projects that define Abuja's character were either initiated or completed under his watch, contributing to the city's growth and functionality. As a Senator, he actively participated in legislative processes, sponsored bills, and represented the interests of his constituents from Plateau South, focusing on issues such as education, infrastructure, and security.

Controversies

Jeremiah Useni's career, particularly his close association with the regime of General Sani Abacha, has been marked by significant controversies. His tenure as FCT Minister coincided with one of Nigeria's most repressive military governments, leading to scrutiny and allegations of impropriety. He faced accusations of illegal land allocation, particularly concerning prime plots in Abuja, which were reportedly allocated to associates and cronies of the regime. These land allocation scandals became a major point of contention and a focus of anti-corruption efforts in subsequent democratic administrations.

Furthermore, Useni's wealth and assets became subjects of public discussion and suspicion, with many questioning the sources of his substantial holdings given his public service career. While no definitive convictions were made against him regarding the 'Abacha loot' or other specific corruption charges, his name frequently surfaced in investigations related to the alleged embezzlement of state funds during the Abacha era. These controversies have contributed to a mixed public perception of his legacy, with some viewing him as complicit in the excesses of a dictatorial regime.

Personal Life

Jeremiah Useni is married and has children. While details about his immediate family are not widely publicized, he maintains a private personal life away from the public glare, despite his extensive career in public service. He is known to be a devout Christian and has remained connected to his community in Langtang, Plateau State. Even after his retirement from active military and political roles, he continues to be a respected elder statesman in his home state, often consulted on local and regional matters. His commitment to his faith and community has been a consistent aspect of his personal life.

Legacy

Jeremiah Useni's legacy is a multifaceted one, reflecting the complexities of Nigeria's political history. He is remembered as a disciplined and loyal military officer who rose to the rank of Lieutenant General, a testament to his dedication and service to the Nigerian Army. His administrative capabilities were evident during his tenures as Military Governor of Bendel State and, more prominently, as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, where he oversaw substantial urban development. The infrastructure he helped build in Abuja continues to serve as a cornerstone of the nation's capital.

However, his close association with the authoritarian regime of General Sani Abacha casts a long shadow over his legacy. For many, he represents a figure from a controversial period of military rule, with allegations of corruption and human rights concerns tied to that era. His later transition to democratic politics as a Senator demonstrated his adaptability and continued commitment to public service, albeit under a different political system. Ultimately, Jeremiah Useni stands as a significant figure in Nigerian history, embodying the challenges, transformations, and enduring debates surrounding leadership, governance, and development in the nation.