NIGERIA: AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH PLATEAU

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ABUJA 000215 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/W, INR/AA ENERGY FOR CAROLYN GAY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV ECON EAID NI SUBJECT: NIGERIA: AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH PLATEAU GOVERNOR JANG -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (U) Summary: In a January 25 meeting with the Ambassador, the Governor of Plateau State, Jonah David Jang (People's Democratic Party - PDP),and Deputy Governor, Pauline K. Tallen (PDP) presented a copy of their 10-Point Agenda and emphasized peace and stability, education, health, and tourism as the priorities of the administration. Jang praised the fairness of the 2007 election in his state, but expressed concern about the federal government's neglect of development and economic issues outside of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He also worried about the situation in the Delta and Nigeria's image abroad. Jang requested patience and assistance in key areas from the USG as Plateau State and Nigeria work towards democracy and noted that the area's ethnic tensions of 2007 seems to have passed. Jang also shared his plans to travel to the United States for the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington and the World Agriculture Expo in California in February, but expressed concerns about possible negative treatment by U.S. Immigration because of Nigeria's image. End Summary. -------------- JANG'S PRIORITIES -------------- ¶2. (U) Governor Jang began the meeting by addressing the issues he faces as Governor, such as religious and cultural instability within the state, a collapsed educational system, and lack of health care. Jang presented to the Ambassador a copy of the 10-Point Agenda he created for his administration in October 2007, emphasizing peace and stability as the priorities. Plagued by religious and cultural violence over the years, Jang stated that peace has been restored and the many tribes residing in Plateau are beginning to reintegrate. Jang said that Plateau State held the most free and fair elections in the country in April 2007 and promised that the upcoming Local Government Election would follow suit. Ambassador said she had noted in her confirmation hearings that despite the disappointing election overall, Plateau was acknowledged for conducting a reasonable process during the chaos. ¶3. (U) Jang listed the other priorities for his administration as education, health, and tourism. Jang said that the state's educational system collapsed under the past administration and he and his Deputy Governor, who also acts as the Commissioner of Education, are implementing plans to rehabilitate the system. Jang requested USG assistance in building capacity in these key areas. Ambassador highlighted what the USG was doing in the region already on these issues, especially in the area of HIV/AIDS. -------------- JANG'S CONCERNS -------------- ¶4. (U) Jang said he was disappointed by the federal government's neglect of the states, noting that development needs to occur throughout the country, not just in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Jang said that the economy in Plateau State has steadily declined over the years and that a majority of the residents live in poverty. Jang added that he is determined to change the lives of the people living in rural areas of Plateau State, noting that 70 percent of the residents are farmers. Providing a little background on the state, the governor explained that there was a time when tin mined in Plateau helped sustain the country and Jang wants to begin to utilize the natural resources of the state again and ensure that the mistakes of the previous administration are not repeated. ¶5. (U) Jang also mentioned his concern about the situation in the Delta. He highlighted that a master plan for the Delta is needed to rebuild the region, similar to the one developed when the GON built Abuja from scratch; starting with schools and opportunities for employment. ¶6. (U) According to Jang, Nigeria's image has been damaged due to the level of corruption perpetrated by previous governors, many of whom are now being investigated by the EFCC. Jang said that when he attended the Governor's Forum ABUJA 00000215 002 OF 002 in Abuja recently, all the current governors decided to change Nigeria's image within the country and abroad by following President Yar'Adua's lead on rule of law and transparency. Jang asked that he and his fellow new governors be given a chance to prove themselves before being judged. Jang also requested the international community, especially the U.S., be patient and assist GON when possible so they can "get it right." ¶7. (U) Ambassador thanked the governor for receiving her and her delegation and noted the agreement on the challenges regarding Nigerian development and corruption issues. She underscored USG goals for Nigeria and highlighted the USG work in the Jos area on PEPFAR and the University supported American Corner. She said she would pass back to Washington the dates of the governor's travel for the Prayer Breakfast and encourage the due courtesies. Ambassador concluded her remarks by encouraging Jang and his Deputy Governor (the only female deputy governor in the north) to continue their good work on building bridges between the ethnic groups in their region and their support for improved education and health care. -------------- JANG'S TRAVEL -------------- ¶8. (U) On February 1, Governor Jang will lead a delegation from Plateau State to attend the National Prayer Breakfast on February 7 in Washington DC. On Saturday, February 9, Jang's delegation will travel from Washington to Los Angeles, California for the World Agriculture Expo before returning to Nigeria on February 15. (Note: Jang expressed concern over the possibility of he and his delegation being treated poorly by security and customs officials upon arrival at Dulles airport in the U.S. Ambassador promised to forward Jang's delegation and travel information to the appropriate officials to ensure a proper protocol is observed. End Note.) -------------- JANG'S BIOGRAPHIC INFO AND POLITICAL HISTORY -------------- ¶9. (U) Biographical Note: Prior to being elected to office in May 2007, David Jonah Jang ran for Governor of Plateau State in both the 1999 and 2003 elections. In 1999, Jang contested in the People's Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial primary, but was not selected as the party's candidate. In 2003, when it became clear to Jang that the PDP would once again back then incumbent Governor Joshua Dariye for re-election, Jang decided to contest on the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) platform. Although observers believe Jang may have been more popular, incumbent Governor Dariye (PDP) was again declared the winner. Before the 2007 election, the PDP wooed Jang back to the party since Dariye was disgraced and already reached his two term limit. In April 2007, Jang contested and was awarded the governorship of Plateau State on the PDP platform. Prior to 1999, Jang also served as military governor of Benue State and Gongola State (now Adamawa State.) Born in 1944 in the Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Jang holds a Bachelor's Degree in Divinity from the Theological College of Northern Nigeria. Jang also received further training as a member of the Nigerian Air Force both in Nigeria and abroad, including time at Randolph Air Force base in the U.S. After retiring in 1990 with the rank of Air Commodore, Jang began his career in politics. End Biographical Note. SANDERS