Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
01ABUJA3236 | 2001-12-19 18:14:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Abuja |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. |
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ABUJA 003236 |
1. Ambassador Jeter hosted a very successful Iftar on Wednesday, December 12. Although FSOs assigned to the (former) Embassy Office in Abuja had hosted Iftars in the past, Ambassador Jeter was the first U.S. Ambassador accredited to Nigeria to host an Iftar in the national capital. I sent a strong message of goodwill to the Nigeria Muslim community and served as part of a larger effort to build mutual trust. 2. Attendees included several Ministers, Presidential Advisors, and the Inspector-General of Police, as well as three key figures in the nexus between Islam and Nigeria's broader civil society: Justice Bashir Sambo, a renowned Islamic jurist and author who serves as Secretary of Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the SIPDIS largest Muslim civic group in Nigeria; AbdulMumin Bello; a leading official of the Islam in Africa Organization (IAO); Dr. Hadi Dahiru Bauchi, a Koranic radio commentator and son of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, one of the most influential scholars of Islam in Nigeria today; and Kabiru Yusuf, editor-in-chief of the "Trust" newspapers, the most influential print media in northern Nigeria. "Trust" and most of its columnists have generally responded with skepticism to and sometimes rejected outright USG explanations for actions and policy in the war on terrorism. Most of the Ambassadors and High Commissioners from Islamic countries who were in Abuja attended as well. 3. Guests were impressed with (in some cases pleasantly surprised by) the authenticity of the event -- from the provisions for a prayer area to the mix of Middle Eastern and traditional Nigerian fast-breaking food and drink. A number stayed hours beyond the anticipated end of the event to talk about issues of the day, availing themselves of the prayer area for Isha'i as well as Magrib prayers. The Ambassador's welcoming remarks elicited a positive response from Justice Sambo, deputized by other guests to reply. Sambo emphasized the importance of events such as the Ambassador's Iftar to building inter-cultural awareness and understanding. He recalled how much he benefited from a 1998 USIS-sponsored program of travel to the U.S. that included Archbishop of Abuja John O. Onaiyekan. Sambo said the number of guests would have been far greater but for the fact that many prominent Muslims had traveled to Saudi Arabia for Umra. He emphasized the importance of contact and dialogue, saying,"There is a lot of ignorance and mistrust among us. The real terrorist we need to fight is ignorance." 4. Justice Sambo made it clear he expected the U.S. Ambassador's Iftar to become a tradition. We anticipate doing just that, but with some modifications. First, we plan to arrange a separate women's Iftar next year. There was insufficient time to arrange two Iftars this year. While some in the Mission felt women should be included in the Iftar, our senior Muslim FSNs unanimously opposed the idea, saying that some invitees would feel the Embassy was trying to "impose" Western norms. Since the major purpose of this event was to demonstrate respect for Islam and for the culture and norms of northern Nigeria, we chose to make this a male-only event. Second, the Ambassador Iftar should be held mid-way through Ramadan in order to make certain we do not miss prominent personalities Who may be performing Unra. 5. There was considerable interest in and discussion of U.S. policy toward the Middle East -- particularly in respect of the conflict between Palestinians and Israel. The Mission will by septel seek support for a speaker on this subject. 6. One of the guests decided just before leaving that the Ambassador and DCM should join in the Eid El-Fitr call on President Obasanjo. The call, preceded by brunch at the home of Vice President Atiku Abubakar, took place on Saturday, December 15. The Ambassador and DCM were the only diplomats present in a group that included essentially all of the senior Muslim figures in Abuja that day. 7. The Vice President told the Ambassador how greatful he was that we had come to this important event and; President Obansanjo publicly thanked the Ambassador and DCM before the entire assemble group and the media. Jeter |