DEVELOPMENT AS ROAD TO GOVERNORSHIP

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 LAGOS 001076 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/W STATE FOR INR/AA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV NI SUBJECT: DEVELOPMENT AS ROAD TO GOVERNORSHIP -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (U) On July 18 Governor Goodluck Jonathan of Bayelsa State published the Bayelsa Partnership Initiative (BPI), describing it as a vehicle for community-driven sustainable development. In anticipation of the rather lengthy process of stakeholder input and approval by the Bayelsa House of Assembly to obtain final approval of the BPI, Jonathan outlined some 'quick wins' he would like to implement promptly to demonstrate commitment and the state government,s good faith efforts. In addition to the BPI, Governor Goodluck Jonathan expects to complete a new 500-unit housing complex before the 2007 elections. END SUMMARY. -------------- Goals and Timeline -------------- ¶2. (U) Governor Goodluck Jonathan of Bayelsa State presented the Bayelsa Partnership Initiative (BPI) to domestic stakeholders and some potential international partners on July 18 in Abuja. The Governor identified the need for a bottom-up approach in democratizing development, fostering peace and security, and encouraging international investment through partnership. He plans to work with key stakeholders including state government, Bayelsa community groups, and partners. Governor Jonathan seeks to consult stakeholders and create the BPI,s infrastructure by October 2006. Simultaneously he will launch a series of quick-wins, to be followed by medium and long-term planning in October 2006. -------------- Quick-Wins -------------- ¶3. (U) In an attempt to forestall any large-scale militant activity in the state, the BPI envisions short term initiatives to demonstrate the Bayelsa State Government,s commitment to good-faith development efforts. First, BPI seeks to negotiate legacy issues between clans and relevant oil companies and government institutions through a Global Memorandum of Understanding. Secondly, BPI will use short-term projects in health, water sanitation, employment, and electricity to demonstrate good-faith efforts. Governor Jonathan told his audience he hopes to launch quick-win programs by October 2006. -------------- Housing -------------- ¶4. (SBU) A Bayelsa State official from the Ministry of Lands and Housing told PolOffs about Jonathan,s plans to construct a housing complex before the 2007 elections. The project will begin with 500 units for civil servants and police officers; completion of this phase is expected by February 2007, followed by additional housing developments for low-income Bayelsans. (COMMENT: A bit of enlightened electioneering by Jonathan. END COMMENT.) -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Jonathan,s BPI is a product of both benign public interest and selfish political motives. Regarding Jonathan,s political motives, he wants the PDP 2007 gubernatorial nomination but is facing stiff competition from Timi Alaibe, the NDDC Executive Director for Finance. Taking over the government office less than a year ago, Jonathan needs to distinguish himself, establish a political base and then distance himself from Alaibe. Despite the obvious political flavor of the BPI, there are some encouraging things in it. However, before we move to pat Jonathan on the back for this initiative or even contemplate support thereof, we need to better gauge how much of this actually is enlightened policy and how much is electoral politics. END COMMENT. LAGOS 00001076 002 OF 002 BROWNE