LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM, PART 2

UNCLAS ABUJA 001629 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM PINR NI SUBJECT: LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM, PART 2 REF: ABUJA 1150 SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED, NOT FOR PUBLICATION ON THE INTRANET OR INTERNET. ¶1. (U) The Technical Review Committee on Local Government Reform has resumed work this week after receiving a new chairman, Malam Liman Ciroma, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The Committee's work had stalled two weeks ago after the death of the Etsu Nupe, a traditional ruler from Niger State who was the chairman. ¶2. (SBU) Ciroma's selection was a mild surprise. His brother is the Ciroman Fika (Emir of Fike in Yobe State). Ciroma is next in line for that traditional title of Ciroman Fika (Emir of Fike in Yobe State) currently held by his brother, but has been retired for many years. Most observers expected a different traditional ruler to become chairman, either the Emir of Zaria (Kaduna State) or the Tor-Tiv (Benue State). Ciroma was SGF during Obasanjo's military administration in the 1970s. He is a northern Nigerian moderate of some influence, an Obasanjo supporter (even when that was unpopular),and a good Embassy contact. ¶3. (SBU) The Technical Review Committee was formed after a June 18 Council of State meeting to discuss reform of the local government tier of governance (reftel). The Committee was also given the mandate of proposing constitutional amendments for consideration by a potential National Conference later this year. Nigeria's elections for the Local Government Councils are still on hold, and caretaker committees selected by the governors continue to govern. There is no indication that the Technical Review Committee will finish its deliberations by the end of its originally scheduled 90 days. MEECE