MOSOP PRESIDENT'S VIEWS ON THE DELTA

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 001976

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DOE FOR CAROLYN GAY

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/13/2017
TAGS: PGOV KDEM NI
SUBJECT: MOSOP PRESIDENT'S VIEWS ON THE DELTA

Classified By: Charge d'Affairs Robert Gribbin for reasons 1.4.(b&d).


1. (C) SUMMARY. In a September 12 meeting, Ledum Mitee,
President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni
People (MOSOP) discussed his views on the situation in the
Niger Delta with the Charge, PolCouns, and PolOff. Although
the Nigerian military Joint Task Force's presence has
lessened gunfighting in the past few weeks, Mitee claims the
militant gangs may be joining forces to stage a
counterattack. Mitee went on to describe the corruption in
the Rivers State government as well as within the ranks of
the Joint Task Force (JTF). Mitee also expressed concern
that the Federal Government continues to ignore the
non-violent groups working in the Delta. END SUMMARY.


2. (C) MOSOP President Mitee told the Charge that people in
Port Harcourt are relieved to see the presence of the JTF,
which he said has minimized gunfighting over the past few
weeks. He believes, however, that militant groups continue
to recruit youths with the promise of earning "irresistible
amounts of money" for little in return. Mitee expressed
concern by reports that the gangs (called "cults" in Nigeria)
are building up their arms and joining forces to stage
counterattacks on the JTF. The combined manpower of the
gangs could have devastating effects on the citizens of the
Delta, he said.


3. (C) Mitee claimed a member of the JTF confided to him that
the biggest obstacle to military efforts is the Rivers State
government. He believed militant leaders still associate
with government officials, and take advantage of the immunity
they provide. According to Mitee, it is not unusual to see
militants visiting government offices or residences. He said
many people believe gangs are still receiving funds from
government officials as a form of appeasement. Furthermore,
due to the alleged immunity being provided by government
officials, the JTF has little authority over individual
members of the gangs. Mitee also explained that many JTF
officers have become involved in the corruption, taking
bribes from militants to allow gang activities to continue
unhindered. Mitee alleged that many officers hope to be
posted to the JTF in the Delta so they can personally take
advantage of such corruption.


4. (C) Mitee expressed what he said was widespread and
growing concern over the Federal Government's current
approach of talking with only the most violent groups. He
feared that some peaceful groups might start to believe the
only way to get their message heard is by adopting violece
themselves. He added that some non-violent groups feel that
their views and suggestions are purposefully ignored by those
who are profiting from the current situation.


5. (C) COMMENT: Mitee, with a long history of activism, has
great credibility in both Nigerian and international civil
societies. Although his comments were unsurprising, they do
corroborate reports from other sources in Abuja and in the
Delta. Post will continue to stay in contact with Mitee for
insight into the Delta situation. END COMMENT.

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6. (U) BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE ON LEDUM MITEE
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Ledum Mitee, a lawyer, was a codefendant with Ogoni activist
Ken Saro-Wiwa, the former President of MOSOP, who was tried
and executed in 1995 during the Abacha regime. After spending
two years in exile, Mitee returned to Nigeria in 1998 and is
the current President of MOSOP. He lives in Port Harcourt and
works closely with other civil society organizations in the
Delta.
GRIBBIN