Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that the late National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South South, Chief Daniel Orbih, rejected several inducements and pressure to withdraw his support for his 2015 governorship ambition in Rivers State.
Wike made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja at a night of tributes held in honour of Orbih, who died on August 31 at the age of 64.
The former Rivers State governor said Orbih remained firmly behind him during the political crisis surrounding his governorship ambition between 2013 and 2014, despite attempts by his political opponents to persuade him to abandon his support.
According to Wike, the then Rivers State governor sent emissaries to Orbih with various offers, 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 and said, ‘No, I will not accept, I will not agree,’” Wike said.
Wike described Orbih as the political figure God used to pave the way for his emergence as governor of Rivers State in 2015.
“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,” he said.
He also recalled Orbih’s contributions to his campaign, including the donation of two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses and the mobilisation of political structures across the South-South region.
Wike described the late politician as a rare politician who prioritised loyalty and service over personal benefits, noting that Orbih never approached him for contracts or favours throughout his eight years as governor.
“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.
The FCT minister said Orbih’s loyalty extended beyond his political relationship with him, adding that the late politician had contributed significantly to protecting the political interests of the South-South region.
Wike also called for greater recognition of Orbih’s contributions to politics and the development of Edo State, urging stakeholders to consider honouring him with a state burial.
He further pledged to maintain his relationship with Orbih’s family and support efforts to preserve his political legacy.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Senator Magnus Abe, described Orbih as a major influence in his political journey and credited him with introducing him to politics.
Former Edo State governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, also paid tribute to Orbih, describing him as a politician whose contributions helped make him a better governor despite their political differences.
Oshiomhole recalled that he often considered how Orbih and members of the opposition would perceive his decisions before taking major actions during his tenure as governor.
He also thanked Wike for helping to reconcile him with Orbih after years of political differences, saying the reconciliation began at Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt.
In his tribute, former PDP presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, described Orbih as a public intellectual, patriot, family man and defender of Edo heritage, saying he left a lasting impact through his public service and commitment to his community.
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