AMBASSADOR IN KWARA STATE: INFLUENTIAL EMIR SPEAKS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ABUJA 001924

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/W, INR

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/24/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR KJUS NI
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR IN KWARA STATE: INFLUENTIAL EMIR SPEAKS
CANDIDLY ABOUT NIGERIAN JUDICIAL SYSTEM

Classified By: Ambassador Robin Renee Sanders for reasons 1.4 (b) and (
d).


1. (SBU) Summary. During a September 21-22, 2008, trip to
Kwara State, Ambassador Sanders paid a courtesy visit on the
well-respected and influential Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim
Kolapo Sulu Gambari. The Emir, a former appeals court judge
and cousin of UN Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari, stepped out
of his official role to have a frank sidebar discussion with
the Ambassador about the judicial climate in Nigeria. End
summary.


2. (SBU) When Ambassador Sanders arrived for a courtesy visit
at the Emir's Palace in Ilorin, Kwara State, the Emir, Sulu
Gambari, came out of his palace to greet the Ambassador and
extended his hand in a very non-traditional welcome. It was
clear from the beginning that the Emir was presenting the
meeting covered by the media in a very western fashion to
underscore his belief in modern practices and a positive
disposition to the U.S.


3. (C) After a formal ceremony of introductions, the Emir, a
former appeals court judge, stepped out of his official role
for nearly 15 minutes to have a sidebar discussion with the
Ambassador in response to questions about the judicial
climate in Nigeria. The discussion took place in very
whispered tones given the presence of the Royal Court and the
media, but the Emir wanted to let the Ambassador know that he
was available to work with the USG to move democracy forward
in Nigeria. The Ambassador asked the Emir how he felt about
the integrity of the judiciary in Nigeria to date, especially
given the current political atmosphere. He said the judiciary
needed further development, and expressed concern about the
integrity and bona fides of some of the judges at all levels
of the court system as he was aware that some of them had
been and are subject to taking bribes. He was particularly
supportive of one of his contemporaries, Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court Idris Legbo Kutigi, saying, "I have confidence
that he is above reproach." However, he did not believe some
of the other judges really understood the meaning of
integrity and hoped the USG could provide capacity building
and technical assistance to ensure judges understand the rule
of law and their ethical responsibilities as guardians of
both the legal system and the people of Nigeria. On the
upcoming Supreme Court ruling on the President, Emir Gambari
said he was confident that the Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court will ensure the right thing is done for the country.


4. (SBU) On the democracy front, the Emir said countries like
the U.S. and UK, which most Nigerians look up to and
recognize as partners given their strong ties, must bear in
mind that Nigeria "is a work in progress and it may stumble
from time to time in its efforts toward being a more robust
democracy." He stressed that neither the U.S. nor UK should
doubt the "commitment of the Yar'Adua administration's
efforts to ensure that democracy moves forward." He said
Nigeria needs "time and space to develop its democracy," and
it counts on the U.S. and UK to help it get there, but stated
bluntly, "Every time Nigeria stumbles on the democracy path
the U.S. cannot overreact."


5. (SBU) The Ambassador said she appreciated the Emir's
frankness, as well as his willingness to dialog with her and
keep in touch. She expressed gratitude for his welcoming
remarks in support of the friendship that exists between
Nigeria and the U.S., but also conveyed USG concerns about
corruption and its impact on Nigerian democracy. She said the
USG is looking to see results in this area, "more than we
have seen in the last several months." The Emir agreed,
noting, for example, that the previous director of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nuhu Ribadu,
enjoyed international prestige and did a good job, but since
his departure the institution needed to get back on track. He
again underscored that Nigeria's democracy is a work in
progress and that as Emir he is willing to work with the USG
to address issues such as corruption and development.


6. (SBU) The Emir clearly made an effort to create an open
atmosphere for the Ambassador's courtesy visit. He was the
first Emir to come out of the palace to receive the
Ambassador, and only the second to extend a hand to shake. He
also publicly held the Royal Court at bay to have a private

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15 minute discussion with the Ambassador, which also is not
customary.


7. (SBU) In a related meeting with the first lady of Kwara
State on September 21, she told the Ambassador about the
Emir's support of polio campaigns and his public efforts to
convince those around him with doubts about the vaccine, by
having his recently born twins receive the immunization in
front of the media in the center of the old city. The first
lady also thanked the Ambassador for all the information she
forwarded on ways to address and raise awareness on the
importance of polio vaccination. The Ambassador also said she
would be reaching out to the Emir on this issue and sending
information on our support of polio campaigns.


8. (SBU) Comment. Sulu Gambari is a moderate yet
well-respected Emir in Kwara State. This may stem from his
years as a judge, including his tenure as Justice of the
Nigerian Court of Appeals. According to press reports, when a
Christian church was burned in Ilorin last year the Emir
publicly condemned the act and appealed to Muslims and
Christians in the state to "avoid any act that could tarnish
the principles of their religion," stating, "Islam is known
for peace and Muslims should avoid anything that could create
unrest." End Comment.
SANDERS