Former President Goodluck Jonathan has hailed the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Arc. Obong Victor Attah, for his role in securing a just oil revenue allocation formula for the Niger Delta. Jonathan spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of Attah’s biography, “Attah: Architect of a New Democratic Dawn,” coinciding with Attah’s 87th birthday celebration.
Jonathan said Attah was a leading figure in the battle that altered the fiscal system in Nigeria, recalling how hard it was in the early 2000s to break the onshore-offshore dichotomy, with Attah at the forefront of the struggle for equity over very stiff opposition.
Jonathan said that as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa in 1999, he witnessed Attah’s determination, even after the Supreme Court ruled that offshore oil resources belonged to the Federal Government. Defying the ruling, Attah continued to challenge the policy, a move that opened today’s way to increased development in Akwa Ibom and other oil-producing states, Jonathan said.
He stressed that most states benefiting from offshore derivation should be grateful to Attah for his doggedness and bravery.
Jonathan also praised Attah’s lasting impact on governance and development, describing him as a leader of purpose whose legacy continues to influence future generations. He said the new biography captures Attah’s commitment to visionary leadership and professionalism.
In his remarks, Attah reflected on life after office and the criticism he faced for returning to his profession in architecture and town planning. He quoted a passage in the book where some people were said to have questioned why he still practised after serving as governor.
Attah hoped that, one day, Nigeria would be ready to embark on a fresh, meaningful democracy, since with the proper alignment of priorities, the country was capable of greatness.
