Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ABUJA1296
2009-07-16 16:16:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Abuja
Cable title:  

NIGERIA: KANO GOVERNOR SPONSORS FIRST ISLAMIC

Tags:  PREL PGOV KIRF KISL NI 
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RUZEJAA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 001296 

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/W, INR/AA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/10/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV KIRF KISL NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: KANO GOVERNOR SPONSORS FIRST ISLAMIC
SUMMIT

Classified By: Political Counselor Walter N.S. Pflaumer for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 001296

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/W, INR/AA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/10/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV KIRF KISL NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: KANO GOVERNOR SPONSORS FIRST ISLAMIC
SUMMIT

Classified By: Political Counselor Walter N.S. Pflaumer for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d)


1. (U) SUMMARY: The Governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau
of the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP),sponsored two days
of meetings he termed the First Islamic Summit on June 29-30.
The summit appeared to be first and foremost a platform for
the Governor to promote his political agenda, providing for
himself an opportunity to speak before more than 200 clerics,
elected officials and members of civil society. He called for
better governance by utilizing the tenants of Islam, and
working together to meet modern-day needs. Speakers over the
two days were clerics, educators, and elected officials. END
SUMMARY.


2. (U) The Summit was well-attended by high ranking Islamic
officials and scholars from northern Nigeria, including the
Emir of Kano, the Sultan of Sokoto, and the leadership of the
Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs. German and French
Emboffs, as well as Poloff, also attended. Several speakers
noted Poloff's attendance, specifically calling on the USG to
recognize that Islam is not synonymous with terrorism. Poloff
gave a message of appreciation for the opportunity to
demonstrate USG desire to listen and learn, partnering with
Islamic institutions in promoting common understanding.

--------------
CAMPAIGN SPEAKING
--------------

3. (C) Governor Shekarau argued that Islamic tenants should
be applied to modern needs for justice, equality before the
law, due process, an independent judiciary and an improved
education system. As Kano State is already under a system of
Shari'a law, and he has always been its vocal champion, this
conference theme pointed to changes needed at the federal
level. Further national focus included the success of
Malaysia and Turkey generating much needed income and
employment through tourism. He is looking to leverage
microfinance, entrepreneurship, women business owners,
modernization of infrastructure, transportation and
communications to improve the economy, all national issues.

--------------
CALL FOR ETHICS REFORM USING ISLAMIC TENANTS
--------------

4. (U) The recurrent conference theme was the failure of the
federal government and its constitution. Speakers claimed
that Islam will bring a more ethical governance and should be
used as a basis for a new constitution bringing on a true
federalism, reducing central power and increasing power to
the states. Many remarks called for a stronger Islamic voice
in Nigerian governance, coming from both northern elected
officials and clerics. The Sultan of Sokoto charged that the
current government allows evil to propagate in society,
demanding it be redirected to ensure stronger moral tenants,
but gave no specifics. There was no mention of minority
rights, or of any consideration of the tenants of any other
religion.


5. (C) COMMENT: For the Governor of Kano to call an Islamic
Summit for the first time, in the 6th of his 8 years in
office is unusual, when he could have done this on day one of
his administration. Given that most of the country is already
in 2011 election mode, we see Shekarau's actions to pull
together this conference as more of a pre-election move. The
theme of his speech was his vision of change for the future,
leading to the conclusion that he is not winding down his
political ambitions, but preparing for the future in a wider
arena. Indeed, there has been press speculation that Shekarau
may be seeking the nomination of his ANPP party for the
Presidency in 2011. We also expect to see more pressure from
these energetic Islamic voices as the central government
continues to fail to meet the needs of its people. END COMMENT


6. (U) This cable was coordinated with Consulate Lagos.
SANDERS