The Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria (MEN) has taken time to digest the long, wailing response from the so-called Coalition of Plateau Progressive Minds (CPPM)—a group whose only known “progressive” agenda seems to be the defense of incompetence, corruption, and missing funds. Their rejoinder, instead of providing answers, was a desperate attempt to gaslight the people of Plateau into believing that failure is success, blackout is light, and food scarcity is a banquet. But Nigerians are no fools.
Instead of explaining how ₦1.7 billion miraculously disappeared into thin air, they chose the tired, old strategy of political tantrums and character assassination. A government that is afraid of facts will always resort to insults—because the truth is their worst enemy.
But let’s break it down, shall we?
- Where Is the ₦1.7 Billion? Did the Money Grow Legs?
CPPM, in their wisdom (or lack of it), is asking us to prove that ₦1.7 billion was budgeted for the burial. Excuse us, but since when did accountability become a crime? It’s like catching a thief in your house, and he demands that you prove he stole before he returns your television. If the money wasn’t allocated, then how much was? Did the Plateau State Government fund the burial with prayers and goodwill?
A transparent government should have nothing to hide—so let them publish the financial breakdown. But we all know that won’t happen because, as always, the figures will smell like pepper soup and palm wine at a political gathering.
- Road Rehabilitation and Useni’s Homes: Fiction Writing at Its Best
CPPM claims the government “rehabilitated” the Langtang road and renovated Useni’s homes. Ah, wonderful! Except there is one small problem—everyone who attended the burial knows it’s a big, fat lie.
If the roads were truly rehabilitated, why did guests spend hours navigating potholes the size of fish ponds?
If Useni’s homes were truly renovated, why did visitors see a different reality?
Perhaps CPPM meant “rehabilitation” in the same way a pickpocket “rehabilitates” a victim’s pocket by removing its contents.
Since they insist everything was fine, let them publish before-and-after pictures of the road and Useni’s houses. But let’s not hold our breath—we know they are better at fiction than facts.
- Food Scarcity for Traditional Elders – A “Banquet of the Invisible”
MEN reported that ₦2.5 million was allocated for feeding the Tilam elders, yet no food reached them. Instead of addressing this, CPPM wants to distract us with stories about “leftover food” and “extra food.”
Oh, really? Where exactly was this magical feast? Was it held in the dreamland of government propaganda? Because those who actually attended know that the elders were left hungry—like a National Youth Service Corps member waiting for an unpaid allowance. In fact, MEN had to support the elders with ₦200,000 (Two hundred thousand naira) to save them from embarrassment.
If food was truly available, let them produce the evidence. In our first press statement, multiple witnesses confirmed what we said through diverse comments. But again, we all know how this works—some bellies got full, just not the right ones.
- The Generator Fiasco – Even NEPA Would Be Ashamed
CPPM says power outages are “common in Nigeria.” Wow, what a brilliant excuse! By this logic, maybe the government should stop fixing roads because potholes are “common.” Maybe they should stop paying salaries because poverty is “common.”
The truth is simple—a state-organized event for a retired General, former governor, and national leader should not have suffered such an embarrassing failure.
The generator was reportedly donated by Useni himself—yet the organizers couldn’t even buy enough diesel to keep it running?
How does a government fail at the basic task of keeping the lights on at its own event?
Blaming “technical issues” is like a student blaming his pen for failing an exam—it’s a lazy excuse for incompetence.
- The Sudden Wealth Syndrome – From Political Destitution to Mansion Renovations
MEN has it on record that some members of the 23-member burial committee, who were political destitutes struggling to feed, have suddenly become overnight landlords.
Houses are being renovated, from their villages to their residences in Jos.
Walls are being repainted, gates replaced, and new cars are finding their way into their compounds—all in a matter of weeks.
Ah! The wonders of a state burial! It seems while some were mourning, others were celebrating a financial windfall.
- The Insults and Character Assassination – The Last Refuge of the Guilty
When a government has no answers, it starts throwing insults like a drunk man at a beer parlor.
They called us “disgruntled elements.”
They said we are “political IDPs.”
They even suggested psychological disorder.
Ah! So because we asked for accountability, we are now mad people? If demanding transparency is madness, then perhaps Nigeria needs more “mad” people and fewer praise-singers of corruption.
What CPPM has confirmed is simple: they have no defense. So they are playing the only card they have left—the victim card.
Our Challenge to CPPM and the Plateau State Government
Since they insist everything was done properly, we challenge them to:
Publish the full financial breakdown of the burial expenses.
Provide before-and-after pictures of the “rehabilitated” road and “renovated” homes.
Show the evidence of food distribution to the elders of Tilam.
If they refuse, then the people of Plateau now know the truth—Useni’s burial was turned into a jackpot for a few greedy individuals.
Final Words: Let Baba Mai Tuwo Rest in Peace, Not in Political Fraud
Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni was a man of honor, a true statesman who served Nigeria with distinction. His burial should have reflected his legacy, not the usual Plateau-style political “chop and clean mouth” strategy.
Instead of trying to silence critics, the Plateau State Government should face the reality:
This burial was mismanaged.
The money was cornered.
Those responsible must be held accountable.
If the government fails to act, MEN will petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate every single member of the committee.
We will not be intimidated.
We will not back down.
We will not stop demanding answers.
The people of Plateau deserve better.
e-signed,
Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria (MEN), Plateau State Chapter
February 28, 2025
