The Northern Patriotic Forum [NPF] has urged ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua to hand over power to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan as constitutionally required if his health condition would require a much longer time in hospital to enable him recuperate fully.

In a communiqué issued yesterday in Abuja at the end of its end-of-the year special executive committee meeting, the socio-political group, which draws membership from the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, urged Yar’Adua and all those at the helm of affairs in the various arms of government to adhere strictly to the supremacy of the nation’s constitution in dealing with the issue of the President’s ill-health.

While echoing the recent position of the Arewa Consultative Forum [ACF] on official speculations and falsehood being peddled on the state of the President’s health, the group urged the relevant authorities to, as a matter of urgency, initiate measures to put an end to the rumours and media speculations on the President’s health, noting that the prevailing trend is capable of causing serious damage to the polity, if not checked immediately.

The communiqué signed by the National Chairman of the NPF, Alhaji Ali Abacha, berated controversial politician, Senator Joseph Waku, over his recent comments which allegedly suggested that the Senate President, David Mark, was plotting to take over the Presidency in an acting capacity as part of a game-plan for the 2011 general elections.

Describing the alleged statements as the handiwork of mischief makers and a show of diversionary politics, the group noted that the Senate President was content with his present position and had not contemplated moving over to the executive arm of government for any reason whatsoever.

Part of the communiqué reads: “The meeting called on the authorities concerned to, as a matter of urgency, come up with measures that will put an end to all the rumours and publications that may cause the nation more harm. It also resolved to continue praying for the speedy recovery of the President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and to abide by and adhere strictly to the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in dealing with any issue which has to do with Mr. President’s ill-health.

“The Northern Patriotic Front wishes to call on all those involved in unpatriotic acts to desist from causing confusion and disharmony in the political atmosphere of our beloved country. The Front also wishes to call on all peace loving citizens, particularly the Northern elite, to discard such rumours and distance themselves from speculations.”

Source page: http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/newsonthehour/2009/dec/22/newsbreak-22-12-2009-001.htm

I think that is Good development, also let them join hands in praying for Mr President.