President Muhammadu Buhari has described the contributions of the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Attah, to the architectural development in the country as most remarkable and historic.
In a goodwill message to Attah on his 80th birthday on Tuesday, Buhari also commended the former Governor for his strategic thinking in the shaping of infrastructural development of the State and for making it one of the most hospitable and attractive States for tourism in the country.
Speaking at Attah’s commemorative book launch in Abuja, Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, said: “I join your family members, friends, professional colleagues and political associates in celebrating your many years of service to God, and to humanity, and the obvious impact of your leadership style as a foremost architect and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
“As an architect with versatile and global working experience, I commend the strategic thinking and planning of both yourself and your cabinet in shaping the infrastructural development of Akwa Ibom State, which still remains one of the most hospitable and attractive states for tourism in the country”
The President prayed God to give Attah longer life, good health and more wisdom as he continues to serve the country and humanity.
Sen. Udoma in his own message said as the Senator representing the Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District when Victor Attah was the governor of the State, he was well placed to say something about the former governor’s character.
A statement signed by James Akpandem, Senior Special Assistant, Media, to the Minister quoted him as saying: “ Obong Attah is somebody you can go to battle with. He is fearless and, once he gives you his word, he does not turn back, no matter how fierce the battle. And the battle to remove the onshore/offshore (oil) dichotomy was indeed a fierce one.
“At one point, the three of us, myself, Attah and Sen. Ibok Essien were summoned to Abuja and made to appear before the President, the Minister of Defence, and all the service chiefs and threatened with prosecution for inciting our people against the President and the Federal Government. But we refused to allow ourselves to be cowed, or intimidated. We believed in our cause and did not stop the fight until we succeeded.”
Senator Udoma described Attah as great Nigeria, saying; “I would like to join his many friends and admirers to celebrate a man of strong character, a dogged and determined fighter for the rights of his people, a man of vision, a man of action and yet with an artistic and contemplative temperament.”
According to him, Obong Attah was not just a politician and political leader, but also a professional, an accomplished architect, highly regarded by his colleagues who elected him to the position of President of the Institute of Architects.
While wishing the former governor God’s continued blessings, the Minister reflected on the title of Obong Attah ’s book “It is well with my soul”, and said “I personally find that, whatever I am going through, whatever my lot, there can be no more calming words than repeating to myself the words of the first stanza of the hymn “It is well with my soul.”
