A former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah has been described as a visionary leader and democrat who has made remarkable contributions to national unity and consolidation of democracy in the country.
A former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Labaran Maku, who announced the unveiling of Attah’s biography to mark his 87th birthday on Thursday, 20 November 2025, paid glowing tributes to the former governor, describing him as the father of resource control whose dogged efforts yielded the 13% derivation, which oil-bearing states and communities enjoy under the constitution.
The book, Attah: Architect of a New Democratic Dawn, which is to be presented in Abuja, is authored by a columnist with the Vanguard newspapers, Dr. Dele Shobowale.
Maku is the Chairman of the Publicity Sub-committee for the event. At a meeting of the Central Planning Committee, presided over by a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali, Maku noted that Attah was a meticulous and focused leader who laid the foundation of Akwa Ibom State’s greatness.
‘Governor Victor Attah is a man of conviction who remains unwavering in the pursuit of justice and equity. At the 1994 National Constitutional Conference, he led the struggle for resource control and his efforts led to the provision of 13 percent derivation for oil-producing States and communities in Nigeria.
‘As the Chairman of Nigerian Governors` Forum at the inception of the Fourth Republic, he made major contributions towards the stabilization of the polity and consolidation of our nascent democracy’, Maku further said.
He expressed optimism that many prominent political and business leaders would be in attendance at the event to honour Attah.
Also, Igali described Attah as a compassionate and charismatic leader whose life has been a source of inspiration to the people of Niger Delta. He said that Attah was a towering political figure who laid the foundation of modern Akwa Ibom State.
Igali disclosed that former President Goodluck Jonathan would be the Chairman of the event while President Bola Tinubu, who was a member of the Class of 1999 Governors like Attah, is expected as the Special Guest of Honour.
