Plateau state will make history if Jeremiah Useni, retired lt. general and senator representing Plateau south senatorial district, achieves his next political target come 2019.
In a letter addressed to Timothy Golu, a member of the house of representatives, the senator expressed his wish to govern the state in 2019. If he eventually succeeds, he will be the oldest elected governor in Nigeria.
Useni said people across Plateau have endorsed him.
“I write to intimate you of my noble intention to present myself for the service of our dear state by seeking the gubernatorial ticket under the platform of PDP,” the letter read.
“My decision to contest is based on calls from various political and other interest groups across the state urging me to contest the poll.
“It is in the light of above, that I wish to kindly request for your support and prayers in actualising this ambition.”
Maybe the former governor of Bendel state plans to offer to the people of Plateau, something ‘juicier’ than what Simon Lalong, the incumbent — aged 54 — is serving them.
For the record, he is eight years older than the oldest governors in the country at the moment — Abiola Ajimobi and Abdullahi Ganduje, who are aged 68.
And he is also older than — wait for it — President Muhammadu Buhari, who turned 75 in December.
He was appointed minister of the federal capital territory in 1994 by Ibrahim Babangida and was in the position till 1998 under Sani Abacha.
Born on February 16, 1943 at Langtang in Plateau, Useni was educated at the Central Primary School, Langtang and the Nigerian Military school, Zaria. His military training took him to various professional institutions at home and abroad, including the British Army Apprenticeship College, Chepstow, India.