Attah responsible for Akwa Ibom’s increased allocation - Jonathan

‘How EFCC invited me over innocent remark to OBJ’s wife’

The event attracted political leaders, technocrats, traditional rulers and elder statesmen, including former Adamawa State Governor Boni Haruna; House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas (represented); former Information Minister Labaran Maku; former Governor Niyi Adebayo; former Rivers military governor King Alfred Diette-Spiff; former Edo governor Chief Lucky Igbinedion; Senator Kofo Bucknor-Akerele; Chief James Magaji; Afenifere chieftain Chief Supo Shonibare; the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; and Senator Ben Obi.

Also present were the Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor representing the governor; former Presidential Chief of Staff Chief Mike Ogiadomhe; King A.J. Turner; former Foreign Affairs Minister Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd); and former Minister of Women Affairs Dame Paulen Tallen.

Jonathan: Attah changed Akwa Ibom’s economic destiny

Jonathan, who chaired the occasion, credited Attah with playing a central role in securing the oil revenue framework that strengthened Akwa Ibom’s finances. He noted that while several governors fought against the onshore–offshore dichotomy, Attah stood out for his leadership and persistence.

He recalled his early days at OMPADEC, when Akwa Ibom received barely one percent allocation, and said Attah’s determination—despite an unfavourable Supreme Court ruling—helped establish the revenue regime that transformed the state’s fiscal outlook.

Jonathan praised Attah’s integrity and legacy, saying: “At 87, Obong Attah stands as a testament to purposeful leadership. His contributions to the evolution of modern Akwa Ibom remain indelible.”

Emotional tributes and reflections

Ambassador Godknows Igali, chair of the Book Launch Committee, commended Jonathan for prioritising Attah’s celebration despite it coinciding with his own birthday. He described Jonathan as “the man who said his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian.”

Attah, in his remarks, reflected on the moral catechism of his youth, which shaped his values of modest living, hard work and gratitude. He commended Dr. Sobowale for completing the biography after 13 years, insisting the project required “only the best.”

Attah narrates anecdote about EFCC invitation

Attah shared two personal experiences to illustrate Nigeria’s often distorted expectations of leadership.

He narrated how a secretary in his Kaduna office once cried upon seeing him ride a borrowed bicycle, fearing ridicule from peers. The incident, he said, reflected society’s obsession with status and material symbols.

He also recounted how a casual comment made to the late First Lady, Stella Obasanjo, during a trip to Barbados later resulted in an invitation from the EFCC.

Attah explained that after designing a 25-room extension to Barbados’ renowned Sandy Lane Hotel in the 1960s, he visited the island again as governor in 2002. While receiving Stella Obasanjo at the airport, he excitedly remarked that she was staying in “my hotel”—referring to the hotel he had helped design, not one he owned.

“Two weeks later, I returned to Nigeria and received an invitation from the EFCC to explain how I owned Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados,” he said to laughter.

‘I was a professional in politics, not a professional politician’

Attah reflected on returning to architecture after leaving office, noting that he felt no hesitation resuming his vocation.

“If Jimmy Carter could return to a peanut farm after being President of the United States, I feel no compunction about returning to my profession,” he said.

Expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, Attah said he remained hopeful that the country would one day “wake up to a democracy renewed,” adding that when that day comes, “Nigeria will be great again.”