…Says Leaders Must Return to Service and Integrity — Former SDP Presidential Candidate

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — Former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has criticized the current political class, accusing them of behaving like businessmen and mercenaries rather than serving the people.

Adebayo made this remark during a condolence visit to the family of the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), General Jeremiah Useni, over the weekend. He emphasized that politics should prioritize public service over personal gain.

“The political elites today behave like businessmen and mercenaries. We must remind them that politics is for the people, not for personal gain,” Adebayo said.

Paying glowing tribute to General Jeremiah Useni, Adebayo described him as a nation-builder, unifier, and leader who transformed Abuja into a city for all Nigerians. He referred to the late General as “an angel in army uniform.”

Born on February 16, 1943, General Useni was a distinguished soldier, politician, and former Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum. He served in various capacities, including Minister of Transport, Minister of the FCT, and Military Governor of the defunct Bendel State. He also represented Plateau South Senatorial District in the Senate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

Adebayo highlighted Useni’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s political and military history. “If you study General Useni’s life, you have studied the history of Nigeria. From the July 1966 countercoup to the stabilization of the Second Republic, he played critical roles at pivotal moments in our national journey,” Adebayo remarked.

He commended Useni’s efforts to ensure Abuja remained a city for all Nigerians, granting land without discrimination based on ethnicity or status. “Whether you were a yam seller or a civil servant, he made sure you had a place in Abuja,” he noted.

Adebayo praised Useni’s commitment to justice and fairness, highlighting his efforts to prevent unjust dismissals of military and political officers and his principled stance on national affairs.

On the state of the SDP, Adebayo affirmed that the party remains united and focused on the 2027 elections. “We are one family in SDP. No fight, no division. We are here to play politics that serves the people, just as our great leaders did before us,” he stated.

He assured the Useni family that the late General’s legacy would be honored, pledging support during the funeral rites and beyond.

In response, Mrs. Julcit Bali, the first child of the late General, expressed deep appreciation to the SDP leadership for their condolence visit.

“Baba was not just our father; he was a father to so many people. He stood for justice and peace and was generous to a fault. Even while lying in a hospital bed, he would still look for his bag to give something to visitors,” she said.

Bali described her father as a selfless leader who ensured that no one left his presence empty-handed. “We truly appreciate your visit, and we pray that the good Lord will bless and reward you,” she concluded.