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

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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