Born in Langtang in the present Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State on February 16, 1943, Useni joined the Nigerian army at the age of 14. He rose through the ranks to become a Lt. Gen.

He served Nigeria in various capacities. He became military governor of defunct Benue State in January 1984 when General Muhammadu Buhari was Head of State. He was minister of Transport, Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army and minister of the FCT. As FCT minister, he helped to shape Abuja during the early stages of its expansion. However, his implementation of the Abuja Master Plan was criticized by some of his successors, especially Aliyu Modibbo Umar.

He joined politics when he retired from the army. He was the deputy chairman, North, for the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in 2003 and in May 2006, he left the ANPP to become Chairman of another party called Democratic People’s Party (DPP). The party suspended him indefinitely in December 2008. In April 2011, he ran for Plateau South senatorial district election on the platform of the DPP. He lost the election to Victor Lar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He tried again in 2015 under the PDP and won and, thus, became the senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District. In 2018, he won the PDP governorship primary election but lost the general election to Simon Lalong of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He challenged Lalong’s victory up to the Supreme Court but lost. Since then, he went into hibernation and little was heard of him until his death in January.

One curious aspect of Useni’s life was his involvement in some rumours that made the rounds during the military regime. In 1998, for instance, it was widely rumoured that he (then the FCT minister) was a potential successor to the late Gen. Sani Abacha, who died suddenly as Head of State in 1998. Useni dispelled the rumour then and later attributed the appointment of General Abdulsalami Abubakar as the next Head of State to the protocols of the Nigerian military.

Tributes have been pouring in since his death. President Bola Tinubu said the late General demonstrated courage and dedication throughout his military career. According to him, he also inspired many young officers to prioritise national interests above personal interests. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, military colleagues and political associates of Useni and prayed God to grant him eternal rest.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, described his death as a tremendous loss to his family, the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State and the nation. He commended Useni’s exemplary leadership and his efforts to promote peace and security in Plateau State in particular and Northern Nigeria in general. He further noted that his legacy of compassion, generosity and dedication to the well-being of others would endure in the lives of those he impacted.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar described Useni’s death as a monumental loss, saying he was a fine soldier, astute public administrator, people-oriented politician, conflict mediator and a kindhearted peace lover.

The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Gombe State governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said Useni “was a highly respected leader whose remarkable service in both military and civil capacities left a significant impact on Nigeria’s governance and development. His wealth of experience, wisdom, and commitment to national unity will be sorely missed.”

Useni’s successor in the FCT, Nyesom Wike, described his death as the “fall of one of the biggest trees in the forest of Nigeria.” As Wike put it, Jerry “was a jolly good fellow, fondly called ‘Jerry Boy’, who took service to the people as his number one priority.” The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) expressed sadness over his death, saying as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of ACF (2009-2014) Useni was a progressive and inclusive leader. It said the late General deserved to be mourned as one of the architects of modern Nigeria.

Though a military man, Useni valued his family and his community, Langtang. He was a mentor to many youths and imbued in them a legacy of service and patriotism.

We commiserate with his family, friends, political and military associates as well as the good people of Plateau State. May God grant his soul eternal rest and give his loved ones the fortitude to bear the great loss.