VZCZCXRO2587
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHOS #1076/01 2191230
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 071230Z AUG 06
FM AMCONSUL LAGOS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7751
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RUEHUJA/AMEMBASSY ABUJA 7690
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RUEAHLC/HOMELAND SECURITY CENTER WASHINGTON DC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RHMCSUU/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH AFB UK
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 LAGOS 001076 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR AF/W 
STATE FOR INR/AA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV NI
SUBJECT: DEVELOPMENT AS ROAD TO GOVERNORSHIP 
 
 
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SUMMARY 
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¶1. (U) On July 18 Governor Goodluck Jonathan of Bayelsa State 
published the Bayelsa Partnership Initiative (BPI), 
describing it as a vehicle for community-driven sustainable 
development.  In anticipation of the rather lengthy process 
of stakeholder input and approval by the Bayelsa House of 
Assembly to obtain final approval of the BPI, Jonathan 
outlined some 'quick wins' he would like to implement 
promptly to demonstrate commitment and the state 
government,s good faith efforts.  In addition to the BPI, 
Governor Goodluck Jonathan expects to complete a new 500-unit 
housing complex before the 2007 elections.  END SUMMARY. 
 
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Goals and Timeline 
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¶2. (U) Governor Goodluck Jonathan of Bayelsa State presented 
the Bayelsa Partnership Initiative (BPI) to domestic 
stakeholders and some potential international partners on 
July 18 in Abuja.  The Governor identified the need for a 
bottom-up approach in democratizing development, fostering 
peace and security, and encouraging international investment 
through partnership.  He plans to work with key stakeholders 
including state government, Bayelsa community groups, and 
partners.  Governor Jonathan seeks to consult stakeholders 
and create the BPI,s infrastructure by October 2006. 
Simultaneously he will launch a series of  quick-wins, to 
be followed by medium and long-term planning in October 2006. 
 
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Quick-Wins 
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¶3. (U) In an attempt to forestall any large-scale militant 
activity in the state, the BPI envisions short term 
initiatives to demonstrate the Bayelsa State Government,s 
commitment to good-faith development efforts.  First, BPI 
seeks to negotiate legacy issues between clans and relevant 
oil companies and government institutions through a Global 
Memorandum of Understanding.  Secondly, BPI will use 
short-term projects in health, water sanitation, employment, 
and electricity to demonstrate good-faith efforts.  Governor 
Jonathan told his audience he hopes to launch quick-win 
programs by October 2006. 
 
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Housing 
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¶4. (SBU) A Bayelsa State official from the Ministry of Lands 
and Housing told PolOffs about Jonathan,s plans to construct 
a housing complex before the 2007 elections.  The project 
will begin with 500 units for civil servants and police 
officers; completion of this phase is expected by February 
2007, followed by additional housing developments for 
low-income Bayelsans.  (COMMENT: A bit of enlightened 
electioneering by Jonathan. END COMMENT.) 
 
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COMMENT 
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¶5. (SBU) Jonathan,s BPI is a product of both benign public 
interest and selfish political motives.  Regarding 
Jonathan,s political motives, he wants the PDP 2007 
gubernatorial nomination but is facing stiff competition from 
Timi Alaibe, the NDDC Executive Director for Finance.  Taking 
over the government office less than a year ago, Jonathan 
needs to distinguish himself, establish a political base and 
then distance himself from Alaibe.  Despite the obvious 
political flavor of the BPI, there are some encouraging 
things in it.  However, before we move to pat Jonathan on the 
back for this initiative or even contemplate support thereof, 
we need to better gauge how much of this actually is 
enlightened policy and how much is electoral politics.  END 
COMMENT. 
 
LAGOS 00001076  002 OF 002 
 
 
BROWNE