US embassy cable - 04LAGOS2015

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 LAGOS 002015 
 
SIPDIS 
 
OFFICIAL INFORMAL 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EPET, CASC, PGOV, MOPS, NI 
SUBJECT: OFFICIAL INFORMAL - DELTA UPDATE FOR OCTOBER 1 
 
REF: A. LAGOS 2013 
 
     B. ABUJA 1675 
     C. ABUJA 1673 
     D. LAGOS 1998 
     E. LAGOS 1982 
     F. LAGOS 1978 
     G. ABUJA 1656 
     H. ABUJA 1486 
     I. LAGOS 1892 
     J. LAGOS 1820 
 
Summary 
--------- 
 
1.  (SBU)  The Port Harcourt area has been quiet and tensions 
have diminished from earlier this week as Nigeria celebrates 
October 1, its 44th Independence Day.  Local press continues 
to report that the GON flew Niger Delta Vigilante Group 
(NDVG) leader Ateke Tom (the primary rival of Dokubo Asari) 
to Abuja for talks with the GON.  In his Independence Day 
speech, President Obasanjo stated the need to engage in 
dialogue to resolve popular grievances in the Niger Delta, 
and deliver the dividends of democracy to the impoverished 
region.  Indicating the GON was using a carrot and stick 
approach, press reports suggest the military has established 
a presence in Asari's home village. 
 
Security Update 
---------------- 
 
2.  (U)  According to the local press, the GON flew the 
NDVG's Ateke Tom, to Abuja to widen the scope of the peace 
talks. 
 
3.  (U)  There are no reports of any fighting in the area. 
In several published interviews, Asari stated that peace 
talks had been cordial, but the duration of the cease-fire 
was contingent on the GON meeting his demands for a sovereign 
national conference and for significantly more local control 
over oil resources. 
 
Reports from the Energy Sector 
------------------------------- 
 
4.  (SBU)  On October 1, the Shell Managing Director told us 
that the cease-fire seemed to be holding, and Port Harcourt 
was calm.  An AGIP Security Manager confirmed that Port 
Harcourt was calm, and AGIP employees were going about their 
normal business.  The Cooper Cameron Country Manager 
indicated  their employees were also carrying out their 
normal activities.  Late September 30, Chevron Texaco General 
Manager for Public and Government Affairs confirmed that the 
situation around Chevron Texaco facilities remained calm. 
 
Press Report - Obasanjo: "A Rapprochement is Taking Place" 
--------------------------------------------- -------------- 
 
5.  (SBU)  Local newspaper "This Day" published excerpts from 
  President Obasanjo's Independence Day address.  President 
Obasanjo emphasized the need to respond to grievances in the 
Delta region: "We are talking to those I described as 
rascally elements from the Niger Delta in the efforts to open 
lines of dialogue and peace as they feel aggrieved by their 
authorities."  However, he stressed that the GON would not 
tolerate "acts that would mortgage or compromise the 
interests of the majority."  He also reassured listeners that 
peace negotiations were continuing, while appealing to Delta 
officials to respond to the needs of their communities: "A 
rapprochement is taking place, and peace, stability and 
harmony will return to the Niger Delta.  The obvious 
assessment so far is that not much impact has been made on 
the lives and living standards of most ordinary people of the 
Niger Delta.  In the interest of security and stability of 
the Niger Delta in particular and Nigeria in general, I 
appeal to those elected official of the region whose efforts 
are not measured up to expectations, to endeavour to be seen 
to be more alive to their responsibilities and the plight of 
the people they are elected to govern."  (Comment: To some 
extent, Obasanjo likely offered this explanation in an 
attempt, not only to reassure the public, but to respond to 
criticism that by opening dialogue with the militants, he was 
only encouraging future miscreancy.  It is also noteworthy 
that he primarily blamed local and state elected officials 
for the sorry state of affairs in the Delta.  End comment.) 
 
6.  (SBU)  However, signally that his government was using a 
carrot and stick approach, the GON sent a not so subtle 
reminder to Asari and others.  Newspapers report that a 
significant military presence has been established in Asari's 
village of Buguma. 
 
ACS 
---- 
 
7.  (SBU)  No incidents involving AMCITs have been reported. 
BROWNE