Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has credited late Peoples Democratic Party leader, Dan Orbih, with helping him overcome political pressure and emerge as Governor of Rivers State in 2015.
Wike spoke on Wednesday at a night of tributes held in Abuja in honour of Orbih, the PDP National Vice-Chairman, South-South, who died on August 31 at the age of 64.
Recalling the political battles that preceded the 2015 governorship election, Wike said Orbih resisted pressure and inducements from his political opponents to withdraw his support for his ambition.
“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.
He said the then governor of Rivers State sent people to Orbih with offers aimed at changing his position, but the late politician remained firm.
“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,’” Wike said.
According to Wike, Orbih, who was then the PDP National Vice-Chairman for the South-South, also supported his campaign by donating two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses and mobilising political support across the region.
The FCT minister said Orbih never sought personal benefits from him during his eight years as governor, despite the political support he had provided.
“Dan is not a typical Nigerian politician. 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,” he said.
Wike said Orbih’s loyalty, commitment and willingness to stand by friends during difficult periods were qualities that distinguished him as a politician.
He also credited the late politician with contributing to the political careers of several lawmakers and other politicians across the South-South.
Wike called for a state burial for Orbih, citing his contributions to political development in Edo State, and pledged to maintain his relationship with the deceased’s family and help preserve his legacy.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Magnus Abe, said Orbih introduced him to politics and played a major role in shaping his political career.
Abe described Orbih as a bridge builder whose political influence extended beyond party lines.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, also credited Orbih with making him a better governor despite their political differences.
Oshiomhole said he often considered how Orbih and the opposition would interpret his decisions before taking major actions while he was governor.
He also thanked Wike for helping to reconcile him with Orbih after years of political differences.
PDP presidential candidate, Sandy Onor, described Orbih as a public intellectual, defender of Edo heritage, patriot and devoted family man.
