Jeremiah Useni, a former minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), is dead.
Useni, a retired army officer, died on Thursday at the age of 82 after a protracted illness.
Gyang Bere, director of press and public affairs to Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau, confirmed his passing in a statement late Thursday.
Mutfwang described Jeremiah Useni’s passing as a “tremendous loss” to his family, the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau state, and the nation.
The governor said his exemplary leadership left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape through steadfast commitment.
He noted that Jeremiah Useni’s tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in northern Nigeria and Plateau state, will forever be remembered.
“Governor Mutfwang recounted the illustrious career of the late General, who served Nigeria with distinction in various capacities, including as minister of transport, quarter-master general of the Nigerian army, and minister of the FCT,” the statement reads.
“After retiring from the military, General Useni transitioned into politics, where he continued his service to the nation. He served as Deputy Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and was elected Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District in 2015 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).”
The Plateau governor also praised the deceased’s lifelong commitment to serving others, highlighting his lasting impact on the military, politics, community, and countless individuals.
“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.
Mutfwang prayed to God to grant the family, Plateau state, and the nation the strength and fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")