Ahmed Usman, former military administrator of Oyo and Ondo, is dead

Ahmed Usman, a former military administrator of Oyo and Ondo states, is dead.

The deceased retired from the army as a colonel. He was the military administrator of Ondo from 1994 to 1996 and Oyo from 1996 to 1998.

Usman, who hails from Okura in Kogi state, was said to have died on Tuesday in Jos, Plateau state capital, at the age of 70.

In his condolence message, Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi, said Usman was concerned about the growth and development of the state.

“Governor Bello described Col. Usman, who hailed from Okura, Dekina Local Government of the State, as a worthy ambassador of the Confluence State who excelled in his chosen profession and blossomed through the ranks,” Muhammed Onogwu, the governor’s spokesperson, said.

“He noted that although he majorly served his fatherland outside his state of origin, he was sternly concerned about the growth and development of Kogi State particularly in its political affairs and the quality of leadership hence he indicated interest to govern the state in 2011.”

Usman was once reported to have described National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) detainees as prisoners of war.

NADECO was a coalition of progressives who called on the administration of Sani Abacha, the late military dictator, to step down in favour of MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 election.

Several members of NADECO were arrested and detained between 1993 and 1998.