NIGERIA: DEATHS OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS - GBONG

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ABUJA 000438 SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/W, INR/AA BAGHDAD FOR DMCCULLOUGH E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/11/2019 TAGS: KISL PGOV PREL NI SUBJECT: NIGERIA: DEATHS OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS - GBONG GWOM JOS AND EMIR OF FIKA Classified By: Political Counselor Walter N.S. Pflaumer for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: On March 7 the third Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Victor Pam Dung Pam, died at the age of 73. The prominent contenders for the throne are former Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service Jacob Gyang Buba (a cousin of Plateau Governor Jang and known as the favored candidate) and Second Republic Deputy Senate President John Wash Pam. The Governor and President's convoy was attacked on their way to pay a condolence visit at the palace, demonstrating the potential effect of the traditional leader's death on the current uneasiness in Jos following the November 2008 violence. It is unclear whether the anger was targeted at Governor Jang (who so far has received bad marks across the board for his handling of the Jos crisis) or at the President. We believe the anger was localized to Governor Jang. In addition, on March 10 the twelfth Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Traditional Council, Alhaji Abali Ibn Mohammad Idrissa, died at the age of 77. Many of the highest ranking traditional rulers are quite elderly, so there are likely to be quite a few such deaths in the coming years. The successors to these leadership positions will come from a much younger generation. The transition of power may cause some friction while the successors are sorted out. End Summary. Death of the Gbong Gwom Jos -------------- ¶2. (U) On March 7 the third Gbong Gwom Jos (a monarch who is the Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Traditional Rulers and paramount ruler of the Berom people),Da Victor Pam Dung Pam, died at the age of 73. Prior to being sworn in as the Gbong Gwom, Pam was Deputy Inspector-General of Police. A devout Christian, Pam was known for promoting peaceful co-existence between members of different faiths, political associations, tribes and cultures. Upon his selection in 2004 he had promised to be the "Gbong Gwom of Jos" and not of the "Gbong Gwom of Berom", saying "I intend to be a man of the people, all the people in the state." President Yar'Adua and Governor Jang traveled together to the home of the late Gbong Gwom to pay condolences; on the way a group of unidentified youths threw stones at the convoy (see paragraph 4 for further discussion on this issue). Gbong Gwom Jos Succession Issues -------------- ¶3. (U) The process for selecting Pam's successor is expected to take anywhere from one week to one month. Controversy delayed the selection of Pam as successor for nearly two years, with some maintaining that the position is hereditary while others believed it should be open to other ethnic groups besides the Berom. The seat is open to any male adult from any of the four local governments under the leadership of the Gbong Gwom, but as the Berom are the majority ethnic group it is expected that the successor will be Berom. The 'Daily Trust' newspaper indicated that former Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service Jacob Gyang Buba and Second Republic Deputy Senate President John Wash Pam (no relation to the late Gbong Gwom Pam) are the prominent contenders for the throne. Gyang Buba is a cousin of Governor Jonah Jang and reportedly contributed financially to Jang's election campaign. Gyang Buba appears to be the favored candidate; however, as he is from the same district as the late Gbong Gwom, the other 11 districts are likely to press for rotating the leadership. Comment -------------- ¶4. (C) Comment: While the death of the Gbong Gwom might seem to be relatively minor news, there are several noteworthy issues. First, given the tension in northern Nigeria following the recent violence in Plateau and Bauchi States, the succession struggle over the next Gbong Gwom comes at a very nervous time in the area. Secondly, it is noteworthy that Yar'Adua and Jang traveled together to pay their respects to the Gbong Gwom's family, as they are at odds over ABUJA 00000438 002 OF 002 the recent violence in Jos. Indeed, both men formed committees to investigate the Jos conflict, causing Jang to accuse Yar'Adua of interfering in the State's internal affairs. The fact that they were both present in the vehicle which was stoned makes it difficult to confirm what exactly the attackers were protesting. Third, we believe that President Yar'Adua's condolence visit following the death of an important traditional Christian leader shows his sensitivity to the need to promote religious tolerance in order to prevent further religious conflicts. Finally, we note that it is rare for the President to make public appearances and appear in press photos as he did several times this week. (Note: He also made an appearance for the signing of the National Budget and met with the President of Finland. End Note.) End Comment. Death of the Emir of Fika -------------- ¶5. (U) On March 10 the twelfth Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Traditional Council, Alhaji Abali Ibn Mohammad Idrissa, died at the age of 77. Prior to his appointment as Emir in 1976, Idrissa served as Commissioner for Local Government and Social Development in Borno State. He also served as Chancellor for the University of Calabar and the University of Uyo. He was known for bringing development to his community. No information about likely successors has yet emerged. Comment -------------- ¶6. (C) Comment: While the traditional rulers are no longer part of the formal government structure, as they were in the colonial period, they remain extremely influential figures. Many of the highest ranking traditional rulers are quite elderly so we will likely soon see many more of these positions come vacant. In almost all cases, there is no system of automatic succession on the death of a traditional ruler. As a result, succession struggles, with the potential to touch off local violence, are likely in many areas over the next few years. End Comment. ¶7. (U) This cable was coordinated with Consulate Lagos. SANDERS