Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ABUJA1544
2007-07-20 06:21:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Abuja
Cable title:
NIGERIA: AMBASSADOR'S FAREWELL MEETING WITH PRESIDENT
how-toVZCZCXRO7816 PP RUEHPA DE RUEHUJA #1544 2010621 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 200621Z JUL 07 FM AMEMBASSY ABUJA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0300 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK PRIORITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEHWR/AMEMBASSY WARSAW PRIORITY 0454 RUEHCD/AMCONSUL CIUDAD JUAREZ PRIORITY 0455 RUEHOS/AMCONSUL LAGOS PRIORITY 7434
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 001544
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DOE FOR CAROLYN GAY
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2017
TAGS: PGOV NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: AMBASSADOR'S FAREWELL MEETING WITH PRESIDENT
YAR'ADUA
Classified by Ambassador Campbell for Reasons 1.4 b. and d.
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 001544
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DOE FOR CAROLYN GAY
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2017
TAGS: PGOV NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: AMBASSADOR'S FAREWELL MEETING WITH PRESIDENT
YAR'ADUA
Classified by Ambassador Campbell for Reasons 1.4 b. and d.
1. (C) Summary: On July 18 the Ambassador paid a farewell call on
President Yar'Adua. The President reiterated his interest in USG
assistance in electoral reform and resolving Niger Delta issues. On
Darfur and Somalia, he reaffirmed that Nigeria will "shoulder its
responsibilities for peace in the region and on the continent." He
said that the Government of Nigeria would soon approach us "as a
partner" on where we could help with electoral reform and the Delta.
He also noted the upcoming meetings in The Hague on Gulf of Guinea
energy security issues and said he had "no doubt that the U.S. was
fully committed to security for the Niger Delta." He expressed
appreciation for the role the U.S. has played in the G8 summit
commitments to help Africa, and acknowledged our leadership in
securing adherence to those commitments. End summary.
2. (U) The President was accompanied by Vice President Goodluck
Jonathan and many of his senior staff (including the Chief of Staff
and the National Security Advisor). The Ambassador was accompanied
by Ambassador Robert Gribbin (who takes over as Charge d'Affaires
a.i. on July 19) and DCM Thomas Furey. In pleasantries, the
President recalled the importance of the U.S./Nigeria bilateral
relationship which, he said, had improved during the Ambassador's
tenure. There was a photo spray at the opening of the meeting, and
at its end, the President organized a group photograph of all
present.
3. (C) The Ambassador commented on the strength of the
U.S./Nigeria relationship. The Ambassador recalled Nigeria's
leadership role on Darfur and Somalia, and he characterized Nigeria
as the "indispensable country in Africa" in resolving regional
conflicts and peacekeeping. He also reiterated the standing USG
offer to assist in electoral reform and on Delta development and
security issues.
4. (C) The President commented on the warmth and importance of the
bilateral relationship, and asked that the Ambassador convey his good
wishes to President Bush. The President reiterated his commitment to
electoral reform and to the development of democracy in Nigeria. He
reaffirmed that Nigeria would continue its leadership and shoulder
its responsibilities on regional issues, including Somalia and
Darfur. Turning to the Delta, he said that talks with militants are
going well, and that he expects to approach the U.S. soon for
assistance in addressing the issues of the Delta and electoral
reform. He recalled that there will be a meeting on Gulf of Guinea
security at the end of July in The Hague.
5. (C) Comment: The meeting was warm and friendly. While he
said the right things, he did not provide specifics. The President
was polite, gracious and looked well. Vice President Jonathan's
presence was unexpected -- he is not usually present for
ambassadorial farewell calls, and may reflect the President's sense
the opportunities are opening up for addressing the Delta.
CAMPBELL
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DOE FOR CAROLYN GAY
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2017
TAGS: PGOV NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: AMBASSADOR'S FAREWELL MEETING WITH PRESIDENT
YAR'ADUA
Classified by Ambassador Campbell for Reasons 1.4 b. and d.
1. (C) Summary: On July 18 the Ambassador paid a farewell call on
President Yar'Adua. The President reiterated his interest in USG
assistance in electoral reform and resolving Niger Delta issues. On
Darfur and Somalia, he reaffirmed that Nigeria will "shoulder its
responsibilities for peace in the region and on the continent." He
said that the Government of Nigeria would soon approach us "as a
partner" on where we could help with electoral reform and the Delta.
He also noted the upcoming meetings in The Hague on Gulf of Guinea
energy security issues and said he had "no doubt that the U.S. was
fully committed to security for the Niger Delta." He expressed
appreciation for the role the U.S. has played in the G8 summit
commitments to help Africa, and acknowledged our leadership in
securing adherence to those commitments. End summary.
2. (U) The President was accompanied by Vice President Goodluck
Jonathan and many of his senior staff (including the Chief of Staff
and the National Security Advisor). The Ambassador was accompanied
by Ambassador Robert Gribbin (who takes over as Charge d'Affaires
a.i. on July 19) and DCM Thomas Furey. In pleasantries, the
President recalled the importance of the U.S./Nigeria bilateral
relationship which, he said, had improved during the Ambassador's
tenure. There was a photo spray at the opening of the meeting, and
at its end, the President organized a group photograph of all
present.
3. (C) The Ambassador commented on the strength of the
U.S./Nigeria relationship. The Ambassador recalled Nigeria's
leadership role on Darfur and Somalia, and he characterized Nigeria
as the "indispensable country in Africa" in resolving regional
conflicts and peacekeeping. He also reiterated the standing USG
offer to assist in electoral reform and on Delta development and
security issues.
4. (C) The President commented on the warmth and importance of the
bilateral relationship, and asked that the Ambassador convey his good
wishes to President Bush. The President reiterated his commitment to
electoral reform and to the development of democracy in Nigeria. He
reaffirmed that Nigeria would continue its leadership and shoulder
its responsibilities on regional issues, including Somalia and
Darfur. Turning to the Delta, he said that talks with militants are
going well, and that he expects to approach the U.S. soon for
assistance in addressing the issues of the Delta and electoral
reform. He recalled that there will be a meeting on Gulf of Guinea
security at the end of July in The Hague.
5. (C) Comment: The meeting was warm and friendly. While he
said the right things, he did not provide specifics. The President
was polite, gracious and looked well. Vice President Jonathan's
presence was unexpected -- he is not usually present for
ambassadorial farewell calls, and may reflect the President's sense
the opportunities are opening up for addressing the Delta.
CAMPBELL