Ex-Lawmaker Faults El-Rufai’s Proposed North, South-South Alliance

A former House of Representatives member, Israel Sunny-Goli has disagreed with the former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai over his proposed North/South-South alliance to “rescue” Nigeria.

Sunny-Goli asserted that Nigeria is in safe hands under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and does not require the “rescue” suggested by El-Rufai.

He emphasised that Tinubu is diligently addressing the country’s economic and security challenges inherited from his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement on Tuesday via electronic mail, Sunny-Goli described the former Kaduna State governor’s call for an alliance between the North and South-South regions as a desperate bid for political relevance.

He emphasised that what Nigeria needs now is for all well-meaning citizens to support the President’s initiatives aimed at repositioning the country.

“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.

“It is no secret that this administration inherited a troubled economy and security issues, but through bold policy measures, we are making progress. The Nigerian Armed Forces are intensifying efforts against insurgents, restoring the nation to a path of peace and progress.

“I would advise Mallam El Rufai to wait until 2031 if he has ambition for the nation’s highest office and not involve the South-South region in his political pursuits.

“While he has a 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, which should have been solely to sympathise with the bereaved family.

“Furthermore, it is important to note that the South-South region is well-represented in President Tinubu’s administration, with sons and daughters of the region holding significant positions. This indicates the region’s close relationship with the President,” the former lawmaker said.

He cited such political representation to include Chief Nyesom Wike who is the the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, marking the first time since 1976 that a Southerner holds suck position.

“Other key positions include Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio as President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as MD of NDDC, Felix Omatsola Ogbe as Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Abubakar Momoh as Minister of Regional Development, Festus Keyamo as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and our esteemed First Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu, among many others.

“I believe 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,” Sunny-Goli stated.