The Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria (MEN) expresses its deep disappointment and outrage over the poorly executed, state-sponsored burial of Late Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni, a revered statesman, leader, and patriot whose legacy of service and generosity deserved a befitting final honor.
Despite the alleged ₦1.7 billion reportedly allocated for the burial arrangements by the Plateau State Government, the entire process was marred by incompetence, mismanagement, and outright neglect. The 23-man committee entrusted with planning the burial failed in its fundamental responsibilities, bringing shame not only to the memory of the late General but also to the state and its people.
Key Issues of Concern
- The much-publicized promise to rehabilitate the Jos-Langtang road and renovate Lt. Gen. Useni’s homes in Jos and Langtang ahead of the burial was completely ignored. The deplorable state of the road remains unchanged, adding to the suffering of mourners and visitors who traveled to honor the General.
- An allocation of ₦2.5 million was reportedly set aside to provide food for Tilam community, the native home of baba Mai tuwo, left over 500 traditional elders stranded without attention. However, no food was provided, forcing MEN and concerned individuals to step in with an emergency contribution of ₦200,000 to prevent a total disgrace.
It is a cruel irony that a man fondly known as Baba Mai Tuwo, celebrated for his generosity in feeding people, was denied this fundamental tribute at his own burial.
- In what can only be described as a national embarrassment, the generator provided to the church where the event was held by the deceased himself when he was alive was left unfueled, leading to a power outage during Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s speech. This blatant oversight not only disrupted the ceremony but also symbolized the failure of leadership and planning.
- With all these failures in mind, the critical question remains: Where is the ₦1.7 billion allegedly allocated for the burial? If the funds were meant for road repairs, home renovations, food provisions, and logistical support, but none of these were done, who is responsible?
Our Demand for Accountability
The Movement for Emancipation of Nigeria (MEN) categorically states that this shameful mismanagement cannot be swept under the carpet. We demand:
A full and immediate audit of all public funds allocated and spent on the burial.
An independent investigation into the actions of the 23-man committee.
A public disclosure of how much was actually disbursed, to whom, and for what purpose.
Immediate disciplinary action against those found culpable for diverting funds or failing in their responsibilities.
The failure of this burial planning is not just an indictment of the committee but also of the Plateau State Government. Governor Caleb Mutfwang must act swiftly to ensure accountability, or his silence will only reinforce suspicions of complicity. If he fails to take action, MEN will be left with no choice but to mobilize for greater accountability measures in the interest of justice.
Late Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni was a man of honor, and he deserved far better than this mess. Those who turned his burial into an avenue for self-enrichment must face the full wrath of the law.
Finally note, that this is not just about one man’s burial; this is about the culture of corruption, negligence, and impunity that has plagued our nation for too long. MEN will not stand by while public funds are looted in the name of honoring our heroes.
We will continue to monitor this situation closely, and we call on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the media to demand full accountability for this national disgrace.
Signed,
Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria (MEN), Plateau state Chapter.
February 27, 2025
People are full of deceiving us the masses because they knew our voices cannot be heard.God is watching us!