Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, delivered a powerful and emotional tribute to ex-Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah, celebrating the elder statesman's 87th birthday and his pivotal role in reshaping the economic landscape of the Niger Delta region.
The Historic Battle for Economic Fairness
The event was the public presentation of Architect of a New Dawn, a new biography of Obong Attah, held on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Addressing a distinguished audience of political leaders, traditional rulers, and admirers, Jonathan painted a vivid picture of a time when Akwa Ibom State's financial allocation from the federal government was negligible.
Jonathan, recalling his early career days working at OMPADEC, revealed a startling fact. Akwa Ibom was receiving only one per cent in revenue allocation, a figure so small it made little impact at the federal level. He stressed that those who benefit from the state's current substantial revenue must acknowledge the fierce struggle that made it possible.
The Unyielding Champion: Victor Attah
Jonathan positioned Attah as the central figure in this struggle, far more than just a participant. Victor Attah was not just part of the fight. He was the lion leading the charge, Jonathan declared to the audience. He acknowledged that while others fought, Attah was the undisputed champion.
The former president recounted the tense period following a Supreme Court judgment that denied oil-producing states revenue from offshore resources. While many governors retreated in the face of this legal setback, Attah's resolve only strengthened. Even after the Supreme Court ruled against him, he did not rest. He was not afraid, Jonathan said, highlighting Attah's refusal to accept a verdict that jeopardized his people's future.
Quoting directly from the new biography, Jonathan shared Attah's bold challenge to the highest court: This decision will remain to the eternal shame of the Supreme Court of Nigeria unless it finds the courage to reverse itself. Jonathan paused to let the weight of those words sink in, then added a grave assessment. If that judgment had stood, the development we see in Akwa Ibom today would be less than one per cent, he stated, emphasizing that this was a factual statement, not an exaggeration.
A Legacy of Vision and Democratic Resistance
Beyond the legal battles, Jonathan praised Attah's philosophical approach to activism. He read another powerful excerpt from the book that contrasted Attah's methods with past militants: 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.
This strategy, Jonathan explained, fundamentally reshaped political consciousness in the Niger Delta. Attah reminded us that unless they kill all of us and seize our ballot papers, we have the power to choose leaders who recognise the Niger Delta’s rights, he said, underscoring the potency of democratic power.
Jonathan also credited Attah's foundational vision for the modern, thriving Akwa Ibom State. He dreamt boldly, planned meticulously, and executed decisively, Jonathan noted, adding that decades after leaving office, Attah's work continues to speak louder than any speech. He described the celebrant as a leader of rare integrity whose mentorship has quietly influenced leaders across Nigeria.
Concluding his tribute, Jonathan honored the 87 years of a life lived with purpose and service. At 87, Obong Attah stands as a testament to what it means to live a life of purpose, he said. His legacy is now deservedly immortalised in this book. He offered prayers for continued health, peace, and wisdom for the elder statesman, and on behalf of his family and millions of admirers, wished Obong Victor Attah a happy 87th birthday, affirming that his story is not just history, but inspiration.
The ceremony was a grand affair, drawing an impressive gathering of political heavyweights, clergy, traditional institutions, and citizens, all united to honor the man widely regarded as the architect of modern Akwa Ibom.
