NIGERIA: AMBASSADOR'S FAREWELL MEETING WITH PRESIDENT

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