₦airaland Forum

‘The Devil Has Taken Over Nigeria’: Victor Attah Blasts Rivers Emergency Rule, Calls It Proof Nigeria Has Lost Federalism.

Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah, has strongly criticized the emergency rule declared in Rivers State, describing it as a direct assault on democracy and a dangerous sign that Nigeria is operating outside constitutional order.

Speaking in an interview, Attah warned that the country had strayed far from its original federal principles. He invoked the words of Ghana’s Jerry Rawlings, declaring that by every indication, the devil had arrived in Nigeria.

Attah traced the crisis to what he called the deliberate dismantling of true federalism. Nigeria, he explained, was envisioned as a federation with clearly defined structures, but those foundations had been replaced with something entirely different.

He pointed to Rivers State as a glaring example of constitutional disorder. According to him, even the flawed 1999 Constitution was ignored when the emergency was imposed. PANDEF leaders, he recalled, had earlier met with the President and secured assurances that Governor Siminalayi Fubara was ready to comply with the Supreme Court judgment. Yet, before any legislative process could take place, a state of emergency was declared — bypassing the National Assembly altogether.

On the controversial local government elections in Rivers, where the APC claimed 20 out of 23 councils, Attah dismissed the process as illegitimate. He noted that even the electoral commission, INEC, admitted the election was wrongly timed and conducted in violation of minimum requirements.

Attah warned that Nigeria had slipped into lawlessness, where constitutional provisions are disregarded without consequence. If everybody condemns an action as wrong and it still goes unchallenged, he said, then it may be true that the devil has taken over Nigeria.

He concluded with a call for a return to genuine federalism, insisting that only by restoring the country’s founding principles could Nigeria overcome its deepening crisis.

https://barristerng.com/the-devil-has-taken-over-nigeria-victor-attah-blasts-rivers-emergency-rule-calls-it-proof-nigeria-has-lost-federalism/

I don't even have enough characters for what I want to say

Can we stop blaming the Devil for Nigeria's challenges ?

Even the Devil is too kind compared to Nigeria's political office holders.

All tilumbu knows is that wike must perform the same type of abracadabra he did in 2023 for his 2027 elections and that's all that matters to him.

Fubara too must play the tilumbu game or no GOVERNORSHIP seat for him hahaha 🤣😂

I seriously don't pity rivers state people at all. They deserve it

Until you appoint the person talking or anyone close to him.

This one was governor for 8 eight years with little or nothing to show for it. Akpabio that came after him completely transformed Akwa Ibom state. Now, he’s also confidently talking rubbish after failing woefully as a governor.

givedemwotowoto:
I don't even have enough characters for what I want to say

The characters are helpless at this point. No need 😂😂😆😆

seunmsg:
This one was governor for 8 eight years with little or nothing to show for it. Akpabio that came after him completely transformed Akwa Ibom state. Now, he’s also confidently talking rubbish after failing woefully as a governor.

Victor Attah was a visionary leader who fought tirelessly for the principle of resource control, ensuring that Akwa Ibom State received a fair share of revenue from its natural resources. Through his determination, courage, and relentless advocacy, he laid the foundation for financial stability and growth in the state. It was his struggle and eventual victory that made it possible for successors to have access to the resources that transformed Akwa Ibom.

When Chief Godswill Akpabio came into office, he was able to build on the fruits of Attah’s labour. Without the groundbreaking success achieved during Attah’s tenure, Akpabio would not have had the level of resources he enjoyed to carry out his ambitious developmental projects. Attah’s fight for justice and equity ensured that future administrations had the financial strength to invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other sectors that improved the lives of the people.

In essence, Obong Victor Attah did not just govern; he redefined the future of Akwa Ibom by changing its economic destiny. His vision and struggle opened the door for sustainable development, making him a foundational figure in the state’s progress.

The devil in this case is Amoda Sangodele

TheBillyonaire:
Can we stop blaming the Devil for Nigeria's challenges ?

Even the Devil is too kind compared to Nigeria's political office holders.

Yoruba man...

Say what you know.

The man is the Architect of the Akwa Ibom I love as my home state. Akpabio, followed the path laid by him.

But..

why insult him when you open your mouths to claim that TINUBU developed LAGOS.

Is this IKEJA in 1999 before TINUBU became LAGOS State Governor, according to your crew members?

Seunmsg...make shame catch una..

seunmsg:
This one was governor for 8 eight years with little or nothing to show for it. Akpabio that came after him completely transformed Akwa Ibom state. Now, he’s also confidently talking rubbish after failing woefully as a governor.

seunmsg:
This one was governor for 8 eight years with little or nothing to show for it. Akpabio that came after him completely transformed Akwa Ibom state. Now, he’s also confidently talking rubbish after failing woefully as a governor.

The only successful people government in Nigeria today are those supporting these hypocritical government, for you to talk down on Obong Victor Attah the man that played a major rule in ensuring that Akwa ibom financial liberation which your criminal Akpabio looted.

Former Governor of Akwa Ibom had said it all,a man that sponsored several persons abroad for studies at PhD level as an ardent believer in HDI,left the government without introducing dangerous cabals and cliques,no tax system instituted to manipulate the system,did not believe in the politics of burying new born babies alive to perpetuate self in power,a freedom fighter on/offshore dichotomy.
His Excellency do not bother about Rivers State,this is pure Rivers mentality displaying stupendous political errands episode in the name of maintaining political structure,even,the Governor has keyed in,do not bother sympathising with.

Sadly the members of the national council of state which includes former presidents of this nation e. g. Yakubu Gowon, IBB, Goodluck Jonathan, Olusegun Obasanjo failed to counsel this anti-democratic Tinubu of a man on a sensitive national issue of this kind.

Say bad things about this country and the government and some peoples gods are appeased,what a scornful life ,never see good people.attah will suddenly become their hero…

Tinubu is an incarcerated devil who has taken over Nigeria.

Yep the devil took over in 1914 when the children of the most high were grouped into a fake nation of demons and those that like to kidnap and bribe....


So Attah you are a little late but may you don see the light or rather the devil horns finally....LOL

Is this a Country?

Is the constitution not now merely a piece of paper?

Is there any form of order in this place?

Do we actually have a President?

Lanretoye:
Say bad things about this country and the government and some peoples gods are appeased,what a scornful life ,never see good people.attah will suddenly become their hero…

Can you just think critically?

Is there any thing he said that's not true?

I you sincerely proud of this ‹country‹?

If you were not Yoruba, would you have supported a President doing what tinubu is doing in Rivers

Taken over is an understatement. The devil has a Nigerian passport.

SeeWahala:
All tilumbu knows is that wike must perform the same type of abracadabra he did in 2023 for his 2027 elections and that's all that matters to him.

Fubara too must play the tilumbu game or no GOVERNORSHIP seat for him hahaha 🤣😂

I seriously don't pity rivers state people at all. They deserve it

how did they deserve it?

PROPHETmichael:
Victor Attah was a visionary leader who fought tirelessly for the principle of resource control, ensuring that Akwa Ibom State received a fair share of revenue from its natural resources. Through his determination, courage, and relentless advocacy, he laid the foundation for financial stability and growth in the state. It was his struggle and eventual victory that made it possible for successors to have access to the resources that transformed Akwa Ibom.

When Chief Godswill Akpabio came into office, he was able to build on the fruits of Attah’s labour. Without the groundbreaking success achieved during Attah’s tenure, Akpabio would not have had the level of resources he enjoyed to carry out his ambitious developmental projects. Attah’s fight for justice and equity ensured that future administrations had the financial strength to invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other sectors that improved the lives of the people.

In essence, Obong Victor Attah did not just govern; he redefined the future of Akwa Ibom by changing its economic destiny. His vision and struggle opened the door for sustainable development, making him a foundational figure in the state’s progress.

Please mention 3 things that obong attah is remembered for in akwa ibom after governing the state for 8 years?

tunjijones:
Please mention 3 things that obong attah is remembered for in akwa ibom after governing the state for 8 years?

You asked for 3 but I'll double it for you.

1. Victor Attah International Airport (Ibom Airport Project)
He conceived and began the development of the Ibom Airport project (later renamed after him), which has become a major gateway to the state and region.


2. Ibom Power Plant
Attah initiated the Ibom Power Project to provide electricity for the state and reduce dependence on the national grid, boosting industrial and domestic power supply.


3. Ibom Science Park
He started the Ibom Science and Technology Park, aimed at positioning Akwa Ibom as a hub for ICT and innovation (though later abandoned by succeeding administrations).


4. Uyo Master Plan and Roads Expansion
Attah’s administration developed and implemented the Uyo Capital City Master Plan, expanding road networks, urban housing layouts, and modernizing Uyo into a proper state capital.


5. Le Méridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort
He initiated the Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort, which became one of the leading hospitality and tourism landmarks in Nigeria.


6. Housing and Secretariat Complexes
His government built modern housing estates, government secretariat buildings, and public infrastructure that laid the foundation for a functional state capital.



Go and verify.

PROPHETmichael:
You asked for 3 but I'll double it for you.

1. Victor Attah International Airport (Ibom Airport Project)
He conceived and began the development of the Ibom Airport project (later renamed after him), which has become a major gateway to the state and region.


2. Ibom Power Plant
Attah initiated the Ibom Power Project to provide electricity for the state and reduce dependence on the national grid, boosting industrial and domestic power supply.


3. Ibom Science Park
He started the Ibom Science and Technology Park, aimed at positioning Akwa Ibom as a hub for ICT and innovation (though later abandoned by succeeding administrations).


4. Uyo Master Plan and Roads Expansion
Attah’s administration developed and implemented the Uyo Capital City Master Plan, expanding road networks, urban housing layouts, and modernizing Uyo into a proper state capital.


5. Le Méridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort
He initiated the Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort, which became one of the leading hospitality and tourism landmarks in Nigeria.


6. Housing and Secretariat Complexes
His government built modern housing estates, government secretariat buildings, and public infrastructure that laid the foundation for a functional state capital.



Go and verify.

I will verify and get back to you

tunjijones:
I will verify and get back to you

I'll be waiting

Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

Adaisback:
how did they deserve it?

Imagine that you, your family and entire community went out together to vote on election day.

You stayed back and votes were counted where you found out the winner of your ward.

You all jubilated and went home to sleep.

8hrs later you woke up to learn that the same ward you voted in and won was handed over to another political party

And you all did nothing but sulk and wimper. No protest or anger at all.

Worse is that the person that orchestrated such always boasted about it till today.

Yet no pim from your mouths.

Don't you see that in 2027 the same thing will occur? As it stands now rivers state people are ranked the lowest in Nigerians when it comes to elections and votes.

I truly pity them.

The funny thing is that these sample people in power today were the loudest at shouting 'We want True Federalism!', 'We want Sovereign National conference' while they were in opposition in Action Congress, ACN and APC since 1999..

Today, they have damaged whatever is remaining of our federalism.

There will recompense paid in full at the right time.. The movie never finish.

seunmsg:
This one was governor for 8 eight years with little or nothing to show for it. Akpabio that came after him completely transformed Akwa Ibom state. Now, he’s also confidently talking rubbish after failing woefully as a governor.

Mr Man you know nothing about Victor Attah who set the precedents before Akpabio arrives... he was the master craft of Akwa ibom of today ask questions. That's why most of notable structures and places are named after him even why he's still alive.

seunmsg:
This one was governor for 8 eight years with little or nothing to show for it. Akpabio that came after him completely transformed Akwa Ibom state. Now, he’s also confidently talking rubbish after failing woefully as a governor.

Are you now from Akwa Ibom state to determine who failed as governor and who didn't? Although you are from Ekiti but you claimed Tinubu "laid the foundation" when we all know he just came onboard and claimed Fashola's achievements after collecting tax all through his own tenure with nothing to show. Address the subject of the matter that HE Victor Attah is talking about.

DMerciful:
The devil in this case is Amoda Sangodele

laugh wan chock me with this names

seunmsg:
This one was governor for 8 eight years with little or nothing to show for it. Akpabio that came after him completely transformed Akwa Ibom state. Now, he’s also confidently talking rubbish after failing woefully as a governor.

get your facts right next time

See as dem enter you anyhow

seunmsg:
This one was governor for 8 eight years with little or nothing to show for it. Akpabio that came after him completely transformed Akwa Ibom state. Now, he’s also confidently talking rubbish after failing woefully as a governor.

You're saying what you don't know. Normally, I don't reply sycophants, but let me just do it this one time. The Akwa Ibom you have today comes from the development plan of Attah for the state that he started working on and handed to subsequent governors. The difference between Akwa Ibom and other states in Nigeria is that there is continuity of development strides in Akwa Ibom and little can be said about other states in that regard. Attah did a lot before Akpabio came on board. Both two governors did great for the state. Stop trying to condemn the man because of what he said which is true to the letter.