Emir of Muri, Alhaji Abbas Tafida, has urged the North to support the aspiration of the South South geopolitical zone to produce the nation's next President in 2011.

The emir warned that the North's insistence on producing the President to the detriment of the aspiration of Niger Delta's was tantamount to taking a major " political risk".

He said this could negate the long-standing political alliance between the North and South South.

The Emir spoke during a visit of the Director General of Goodluck/Sambo Campaign Organisation, Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, and members of his team to his palace in Jalingo.

The first class monarch noted that the South South had come to the aid of the North at some difficult moments in the past, adding that it was time to pay back.

He noted that he was in full support of President Goodluck Jonathan's aspiration because the President has what it takes to continue to lead Nigeria successfully.

"I want to say it again without mincing any word that President Goodluck Jonathan is a good material for the job," the Emir declared.

The monarch took a swipe at the nation's elite whom he said had let Nigeria down by always putting "our interest first", noting that "whether we like it or not, Nigeria should be first before us".

The emir called on the political elite, especially the ruling People Democratic Party (PDP), to look beyond electoral victory by providing purposeful leadership for the country.

"Politics should not be a do or die affair," he pointed out.

Earlier, the DG had during a similar visit told Taraba State Deputy Governor, Sani Abubakar, that his candidate's (Jonathan) aspiration is in the interest of stability and development of the country.

"President Goodluck Jonathan is humble, straightforward and knowledgeable. I call him digital while others are analogue.

"His aspiration is for the stability of the country. It is for the progress of the country and it will further deepen understanding between the North and South", he explained.

Responding, Abubakar, who is current the state acting governor, assured the DG of the state's 100 per cent support for the Goodluck/Sambo ticket, adding that "all we are waiting for is the days of elections to actualise our commitments".