A former member of House of Representatives, Israel Sunny-Goli, has asked ex-Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to perish the idea of political alliance with the South South region until 2031 if indeed he is desirous of rescuing Nigeria, adding that the country is making significant progress under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Mr. Sunny-Goli further stated that even after 2027, it is unlikely that the region would risk an alliance with him owning to trust issues.
He viewed El-Rufai’s proposed alliance with the oil rich region as a politically motivated move for relevance rather than a genuine solution to the nation’s issues.
In a statement on Tuesday made available to reporters in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, Sunny-Goli stated that if El-Rufai is desirous of a better Nigeria as he claimed, he shouldn’t be seen attacking the President because he could not make it to Tinubu’s cabinet.
Sunny-Goli expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, asserting that Nigeria is on the right path under Tinubu’s direction, especially in addressing economic and security challenges.
Sunny-Goli’s statement read in part: “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 Malam El Rufai to wait until 2031 if he has ambitions 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 a 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. For instance, Chief Nyesom Wike is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, marking the first time since 1976 that a Southerner holds this 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 the 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.”
