A former House of Representatives member, Israel Sunny-Goli, has sharply criticized former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s proposal for a Northern-South-South alliance to “rescue” Nigeria. Speaking in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Sunny-Goli asserted that the nation is on a positive trajectory under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.
Sunny-Goli emphasized that Nigeria’s current progress in economic recovery and enhanced security is evidence that the country is in safe hands. He noted that Tinubu’s administration has already set in motion bold policies that are restoring stability and building a stronger future for the nation.
Rejecting El-Rufai’s suggestion as nothing more than a bid for political relevance, Sunny-Goli argued that the idea of an alliance to “rescue” Nigeria is both unnecessary and ill-timed. He claimed that such rhetoric undermines the achievements of the current government and is a distraction from the real work of nation-building.
In his statement, Sunny-Goli cautioned El-Rufai to refrain from involving other regions in his political maneuvers, especially when his comments coincided with a solemn condolence visit to a late elder statesman’s family. He stressed that the timing and context of the remark were inappropriate given the nation’s current challenges and successes.
Sunny-Goli highlighted the strong representation of the South-South region in Tinubu’s government, citing key appointments such as Chief Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, along with other influential positions held by prominent figures from the region. He argued that these appointments clearly demonstrate the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.
Concluding his remarks, Sunny-Goli urged all Nigerians to rally behind President Tinubu’s vision for national progress. He insisted that the focus should remain on supporting the transformative policies already in place, rather than on divisive calls for an unnecessary alliance, affirming that Nigeria is on the right path.
