Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, as a courageous statesman whose unwavering commitment to fairness fundamentally reshaped the economic future of the Niger Delta.
Speaking in Abuja during Attah’s 87th birthday celebration and the public presentation of his new biography, Architect of a New Dawn, Dr Jonathan said Akwa Ibom State would have been “a completely different place” without Attah’s historic challenge to the onshore–offshore oil dichotomy.
According to him, “Victor Attah was not just part of the fight; he was the lion leading the charge. Others fought, yes, but Attah was the champion, number one. He dreamt boldly, planned meticulously and executed decisively, and decades after leaving office, his work still speaks louder than any speech.”
The former president eulogised Attah as a leader of rare integrity whose quiet mentorship has shaped leaders across the country. He added that Attah’s life at 87 reflects intentional service, purpose and an enduring commitment to national development.
Quoting from the biography, Jonathan highlighted Attah’s refusal to give up even after the Supreme Court ruled against his position on resource control. “He was not afraid. He refused to accept a verdict that threatened the future of his people,” he said.
Jonathan also referenced Attah’s philosophy of nonviolent democratic resistance, citing a striking line from the book: “Adaka Boro fought with guns. He was killed. Ken Saro-Wiwa fought with the pen. He, too, was killed. But we have a more potent weapon: our ballot paper.”
He said this conviction helped reshape the political consciousness of the Niger Delta, empowering citizens to assert their democratic rights peacefully.
Beyond the resource-control struggle, Jonathan noted that Attah’s leadership laid the foundations for the modern, thriving Akwa Ibom State visible today. He prayed for continued health, peace and wisdom for the elder statesman, adding, “Your story is not just history; it is inspiration.”
Delivering his message at the event, Obong Attah expressed confidence that Nigeria would regain its footing if it realigned its priorities. “Someday, we in Nigeria will get our priorities right; our democracy will be renewed, and Nigeria will be great again,” he said.
He reflected on defining moments in his life, including experiences in 1975 Kaduna and 1966 Barbados, which shaped his belief in humility, integrity and purposeful leadership. Attah credited his longevity and clarity to his father’s teachings on “lowly toil, simple pleasures, courage, contentment and gratitude.”
Former President Jonathan, who shares the same birthday as Attah, chaired the event and used the occasion to speak on life after political office. He echoed Attah’s return to architecture, saying, “I was a professional in politics, not a professional politician. If Jimmy Carter could return to the peanut farm after the White House, I can return to my profession after my tenure.”
The ceremony drew an impressive gathering of political leaders, clerics, traditional rulers and citizens who came to honour the man many regard as the architect of modern Akwa Ibom.
By the close of the event, it was clear that Attah’s message resonated deeply, rekindling hope for a renewed Nigeria and reaffirming enduring faith in the nation’s future.