Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has credited late Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Daniel Orbih, with playing a decisive role in his emergence as governor of Rivers State in 2015.
Wike made the revelation on Wednesday at a night of tributes held in Abuja in honour of Orbih, the former PDP National Vice-Chairman, South South, who died on August 31 at the age of 64.
Recalling the political battle that preceded the 2015 Rivers governorship election, Wike said Orbih remained loyal to his ambition despite intense pressure and alleged offers of inducements from political opponents.
“Today I am a Minister of the FCT; yesterday I was a governor. Who did God use for me to become governor? It was Dan,” Wike said.
According to the FCT minister, political opponents, including the then Rivers State governor, made attempts to persuade Orbih to withdraw his support.
“There was nothing in this world that was not done to induce him. My governor then sent people to Dan, offered him everything in this world, but Dan stood firm and said, ‘No, I will not accept, I will not agree,’” he said.
Wike said Orbih, who was then the PDP National Vice-Chairman for the South South, also supported his campaign by providing two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses and mobilising political structures across the region.
He described the late politician as different from conventional politicians, saying Orbih never demanded contracts, appointments or personal favours from him during his eight years as governor.
“Throughout my eight years as governor, he never came for one day—either by phone or coming to my house to say, ‘I need this contract.’ Never,” Wike said.
He said Orbih’s loyalty, commitment and willingness to stand by friends during difficult political periods were qualities deeply rooted in his family.
Wike also credited Orbih with helping several politicians in the South South and said many current lawmakers may not have reached their positions without his political support and influence.
The minister called for a state burial for Orbih in recognition of his contributions to political development in Edo State and pledged to work with the late politician’s family to preserve his legacy.
Former Edo State governor and serving senator, Adams Oshiomhole, also praised Orbih, saying the late politician’s opposition and political scrutiny made him a better governor.
Oshiomhole recalled that Orbih’s political disagreements with him often forced him to carefully consider the consequences of his decisions while in office.
He also thanked Wike for helping to reconcile him with Orbih after years of political differences, saying their renewed relationship began at Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt.
Senator Magnus Abe, Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, said Orbih was responsible for introducing him to politics, describing him as a bridge builder who influenced many people throughout his political career.
Former PDP presidential candidate, Sandy Onor, described Orbih as a public intellectual, defender of Edo heritage, Nigerian patriot and devoted family man.
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