Nafada who made this known at the Northern Political Summit which held in Kaduna on Thursday, advised northerners, especially members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), to address ``the exigencies of the reality that we have found ourselves following the death of President Yar’adua.``
According to him, the present arrangement seems to be unfavourable to northerners because one of their own who was elected president passed away not long after a protracted illness.
The deputy speaker advised those who are pro and anti zoning to watch their utterances in view of the sensitivity of the issue, adding that ``what they should pay attention to is to build the nation and its democracy.” Nafada enjoined those who are arguing that there was a gentleman’s agreement on power rotation to “be more political and to view things from the perspective of faith and fate.”
Nafada also said that the north has a very important role to play in order to conserve the peace and unity of Nigeria. “There is no price that is too much to pay; much more has been paid in the past,” he added. According to him, the north will continue to be the shock absorber of the Nigerian federation regardless of what anyone will say.
In his welcome address, Governor Patrick Yakowa said the organisers had earlier briefed the Northern Governors’ Forum on their position and the Forum advised that more discussions be held ``on all matters concerning the unity and progress of northern states within the context of a united Nigeria.`` He said the summit was part of this wider consultations.