A former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah, has shed light on his decision to return to his professional roots, architecture, after leaving office, and the humiliations he suffered.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Attah, 87, governor between May 29, 1999 and May 29, 2007, is a scholar and US-trained architect and town planner.
Attah made the revelation at the presentation of his new book: “Attah: Architect of a New Democratic Dawn,” on Thursday in Abuja.
The former governor recounted the criticisms, mockery, and outright humiliation he faced when he resumed his profession.
According to him, many questioned why a former governor would return to regular practice.
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He, however, recalled that his simple answer was: “Politics is a duty, not a career,” explaining that public service never erased his original identity as an architect and town planner.
He emphasised that no one should forget their roots or abandon the foundations that shaped them, regardless of status or position attained.
Referencing a tribute, titled: “Are You Still Doing This Thing?” in the book, Attah highlighted how people often misinterpret public office as a permanent identity rather than a temporary service.
He noted that even a former US President, Jimmy Carter, returned to his peanut farm after leaving the White House, an example that reinforced his belief in dignity of labour and personal authenticity.
He said: “The tribute is written by somebody who knows me well and knows that I made an attempt, a successful attempt, to return to my profession of architecture and town planning after I had left office.
“But it tells the story of all the abuses and humiliation and insult that I received.
“One of them actually asked me, okay, were you not governor?
“Why are you still doing this thing?
“My answer to that question was, I was a professional in politics, not a professional politician.
“If Jimmy Carter could return to a peanut farm after being the President of the United States of America, I feel no compunction, whatever, about returning to my profession.”
Attah urged Nigerians to reset their values, stressing that the nation would only move forward when people embrace integrity, hard work, and a clearer sense of priority.
According to him, a “democratic new dawn” awaits the country when such principles finally take root.
He expressed gratitude to God for His mercies and appreciated the dignitaries who graced the occasion.
Attah maintained that Nigeria’s greatness is attainable, and that true transformation would come when citizens rediscover their purpose and remain grounded in the principles that shaped them long before power or public office came calling.
NAN reports that former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was at the event, hailed Attah for his numerous achievements at 87 years.
Jonathan extolled the contributions of the former governor to the evolution of modern Akwa-Ibom.
On his part, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State said Attah’s remarkable contributions to the state remained impactful and enduring within the memory.
Eno, who was represented by his Deputy, Akon Eyakenyi, noted that at 87, Attah’s remarkable contributions to Akwa Ibom State were indelible.
NAN reports that the book, containing 473 pages, 19 chapters, and 117 photographs, explores multiple themes.
