Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ABUJA384
2009-03-04 14:00:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Abuja
Cable title:
NIGERIA: GARBAI NAMED NEW SHEHU OF BORNO
how-toVZCZCXRO9197 PP RUEHPA DE RUEHUJA #0384 0631400 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 041400Z MAR 09 FM AMEMBASSY ABUJA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5413 INFO RUEHOS/AMCONSUL LAGOS PRIORITY 0901 RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD 0084 RUEHSA/AMEMBASSY PRETORIA 1719 RUEHYD/AMEMBASSY YAOUNDE 0680 RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHDC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC RUEKJCS/DIA WASHINGTON DC RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE RUZEJAA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 000384
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/W, INR/AA
BAGHDAD FOR DMCCULLOUGH
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: GARBAI NAMED NEW SHEHU OF BORNO
REF: ABUJA 345
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 000384
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/W, INR/AA
BAGHDAD FOR DMCCULLOUGH
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: GARBAI NAMED NEW SHEHU OF BORNO
REF: ABUJA 345
Classified By: Political Counselor Walter N.S. Pflaumer for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d)
1. (U) On March 2 Kyari Shehu Umar Garbai was named the 20th
Shehu of Borno by Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff. As
reported in 'This Day' newspaper, Governor Sheriff justified
his choice with Garbai's academic qualifications. 'This Day'
reported increased security in the state capital Maiduguri
due to tensions which built during the delay in naming of the
new leader and following protests during the burial of the
late Shehu. As of March 3, the situation in Borno remained
peaceful, with no sign of the unrest.
2. (U) Garbai was born in 1957 in Yobe State. He is the son
of the 17th Shehu of Borno. He studied local government
administration at Ahmadu Bello University and went on to
receive his Masters in International Relations and Public
Administration at the University of Maiduguri. He was
appointed the district head of Magumeri in December 2008.
3. (C) Comment: The unrest we had expected if Garbai were
selected has not so far materialized. We will continue to
monitor the situation in Borno closely, however, as violence
can erupt quickly. We note that the traditional leadership
in Northern Nigeria seems to be in the midst of a
generational shift. The Sultan of Sokoto and the new Shehu
of Borno are ranked first and second in Northern Nigeria
royalty. Both are educated men in their fifties. Given the
age of the Emir of Kano it is likely that we will soon see
another middle-aged and highly educated leader emerge. End
Comment.
4. (U) This cable was coordinated with Consulate Lagos.
SANDERS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/W, INR/AA
BAGHDAD FOR DMCCULLOUGH
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: GARBAI NAMED NEW SHEHU OF BORNO
REF: ABUJA 345
Classified By: Political Counselor Walter N.S. Pflaumer for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d)
1. (U) On March 2 Kyari Shehu Umar Garbai was named the 20th
Shehu of Borno by Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff. As
reported in 'This Day' newspaper, Governor Sheriff justified
his choice with Garbai's academic qualifications. 'This Day'
reported increased security in the state capital Maiduguri
due to tensions which built during the delay in naming of the
new leader and following protests during the burial of the
late Shehu. As of March 3, the situation in Borno remained
peaceful, with no sign of the unrest.
2. (U) Garbai was born in 1957 in Yobe State. He is the son
of the 17th Shehu of Borno. He studied local government
administration at Ahmadu Bello University and went on to
receive his Masters in International Relations and Public
Administration at the University of Maiduguri. He was
appointed the district head of Magumeri in December 2008.
3. (C) Comment: The unrest we had expected if Garbai were
selected has not so far materialized. We will continue to
monitor the situation in Borno closely, however, as violence
can erupt quickly. We note that the traditional leadership
in Northern Nigeria seems to be in the midst of a
generational shift. The Sultan of Sokoto and the new Shehu
of Borno are ranked first and second in Northern Nigeria
royalty. Both are educated men in their fifties. Given the
age of the Emir of Kano it is likely that we will soon see
another middle-aged and highly educated leader emerge. End
Comment.
4. (U) This cable was coordinated with Consulate Lagos.
SANDERS