By Ben Adoga, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has credited the late Chief Daniel Orbih with playing a decisive role in his emergence as Governor of Rivers State in 2015.
Wike disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a night of tributes organised in honour of Orbih, former National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South-South.
Orbih, who hailed from Etsako in Edo State, died on August 31 at the age of 64, leaving behind a political legacy that prominent figures described as influential across party and regional lines.
Wike recalled the political battles surrounding his governorship ambition between 2013 and 2014, saying Orbih remained steadfast despite intense pressure from political opponents seeking to frustrate his aspiration.
“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.
The former Rivers governor said his political opponents made substantial efforts to persuade Orbih to withdraw his support, including offers of material benefits, but the late politician refused to compromise his position.
“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,” he recalled.
Wike said Orbih’s support went beyond political endorsement, noting that the late PDP leader donated two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses to strengthen his security during the campaign and helped mobilise political structures across the South-South.
He described Orbih as a politician who demonstrated loyalty without seeking personal rewards, saying the late party leader never approached him for contracts or other favours throughout 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.
According to Wike, Orbih’s loyalty during periods of political uncertainty demonstrated the strength of his character and established him as a dependable political ally.
He said the late politician’s commitment to friendship and political relationships was part of a family tradition that influenced his conduct throughout his career.
Wike also argued that Orbih’s political influence extended beyond his immediate ambitions, saying his role in protecting the interests of the South-South contributed to the emergence of several lawmakers at both national and state levels.
He described Orbih as a strategic politician who understood the importance of building relationships across political divides and supporting emerging political leaders.
Wike said Orbih contributed significantly to political developments in Edo State, including efforts that encouraged cooperation across party lines, despite deriving little personal benefit from the relationships he helped establish.
The FCT minister called on Edo stakeholders to consider granting Orbih a state burial in recognition of his contributions to the political development of the state.
He also pledged to maintain his relationship with Orbih’s family and work with them to preserve the late politician’s legacy.
*Abe, Oshiomhole, others hail late politician’s political legacy
Senator Magnus Abe, Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, also attributed his entry into politics to Orbih, recalling that the deceased introduced him to political activities.
Abe described Orbih as an exceptional bridge builder whose influence extended beyond party politics and personal relationships.
“He was indeed a bridge builder par excellence. We are gathered here today not because Dan is dead, but because of the life that he lived and how that life impacted all of us,” he said.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, said Orbih’s political opposition had made him a more careful and effective governor during his tenure as Edo State governor.
Oshiomhole said he often considered how Orbih and the opposition would interpret his decisions before taking major actions, adding that the scrutiny helped improve his governance.
He also thanked Wike for helping to restore his relationship with Orbih after years of political differences, recalling that their reconciliation began at Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt.
PDP presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, described Orbih as a public intellectual, patriot and defender of Edo heritage, while praising his contributions to politics and family life.
