“My only regret is that I left office with a successor but without succession”…read Obong Victor Attah’s full speech at the grand reception for him by Ibibio nation

Today is a very significant day in my life, in the life of all Ibibio people and indeed, I believe, in the life of Akwa Ibom state.

Let me start by reminiscing – by remembering an earlier reception that had been held for me by Akwa Ibom professionals in Abuja at the Ladi Kwali Hall at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, on Friday August 22, 2003. I had not so long before, been sworn in for my second term in office as the governor of this state which was then beginning to show its greatness and to claim its rightful place in the political equation of this country.

The address that I presented at that occasion was titled “It is well with my soul”. In that address, I had quoted the president of Akwa Ibom professional who, at yet another previous occasion, organized to celebrate the re-appointment of Obong Uffot Ekaette, CON, as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, had this to say:

Happy birthday to Akwa Ibom State & Princess Anne Inyang

Today, 23^rd September, is the birthday of Akwa Ibom State. The state clocks 25 today as it was created on 23^rd September, 1987. Akwa Ibom is a state in Nigeria named after the Qua Iboe river. It is located in the coastal South-Southern part of the country, lying between latitudes 4°321 and 5°331 North, and longitudes 7°251 and 8°251 East. The State is bordered on the east by Cross River State, on the west by Rivers State and Abia State, and on the South by the Atlantic Ocean and the southern-most tip of Cross River State.