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
By Moses OkorieW
The 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 spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at a night of tributes held in honour of Orbih, the former National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South South, who died on Aug. 31 at the age of 64.
The FCT Minister recalled the intense political struggle that preceded the 2015 Rivers governorship election, saying Orbih remained loyal to his ambition despite enormous pressure and 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 him, the then Rivers State governor made several attempts to persuade Orbih to abandon his support for his governorship ambition, but the late politician remained resolute.
“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 went beyond verbal support, revealing that the late PDP chieftain donated two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses to his campaign to enhance his security and mobilised political support across the South South.
He described Orbih as an exceptional politician who never sought personal benefits from him 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,” Wike said.
The minister said Orbih’s loyalty, commitment and willingness to stand by his friends during difficult periods were qualities that distinguished him from many politicians.
He added that Orbih’s influence as South South National Vice-Chairman of the PDP helped protect the political interests of the region and contributed to the emergence of several lawmakers at both state and federal levels.
Wike also described Orbih as a strategic politician and bridge-builder who promoted political cooperation across party lines, particularly in Edo State.
He called on the Edo State Government and other stakeholders to consider giving the late politician a state burial in recognition of his contributions to the political development of the state.
Wike further pledged to maintain a close relationship with Orbih’s family and support efforts to preserve his political and humanitarian legacy.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Sen. Magnus Abe, said Orbih introduced him to active politics.
Abe recalled that he served as Director-General of Orbih’s first governorship campaign under the United Nigeria Congress Party, describing the deceased as an outstanding bridge-builder whose influence extended across political divides.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, said Orbih’s opposition and political criticism made him a better governor.
Oshiomhole said he frequently considered how Orbih and the opposition would interpret his decisions before implementing them, noting that the process forced him to make better-informed decisions.
He also thanked Wike for helping to reconcile him with Orbih after their prolonged political differences.
According to him, their renewed relationship began at Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt, where, he said, “Dan and I started hugging.”
In his tribute, former PDP presidential candidate, Sen. Sandy Onor, described Orbih as “a profound public intellectual, a quintessential lover of Edo people, a defender of Edo heritage, a Nigerian patriot and a social colossus.”
Onor also described him as a devoted family man, great husband and worthy father whose life made a significant impact on those around him.