A former member of the House of Representatives, Israel Sunny-Goli, has criticized former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his proposal for a Northern-South-South alliance to “rescue” Nigeria.
In a statement on Tuesday, February 25, Sunny-Goli dismissed El-Rufai’s call as unnecessary, asserting that Nigeria is in safe hands under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and does not require any “rescue.”
He described El-Rufai’s suggestion as a politically motivated move aimed at remaining relevant rather than a genuine attempt to address the country’s challenges.
According to him, Tinubu’s administration is already taking bold steps to fix the economy and tackle insecurity.
“With due respect to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, his call for a Northern-South-South alliance is unwarranted, especially when predicated on rescuing Nigeria, as he has suggested,” Sunny-Goli stated.
He further advised El-Rufai to focus on his own political ambitions and wait until 2031 if he intends to contest for the presidency, rather than involving the South-South in his plans.
“While he has the right to his ambitions, the timing and context of his statement were inappropriate, particularly during a condolence visit to the late elder statesman, Pa Edwin Clark’s residence. That visit should have been solely to sympathize with the bereaved family,” he added.
Sunny-Goli also cited key appointments such as Chief Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Godswill Akpabio as Senate President, Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), and several others.
“The South-South could not ask for a better deal at this time. Perhaps in 2031, we can discuss an alliance, but for now, we fully support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he concluded.
