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, saying God used the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice-Chairman to support his political ambition.
Wike made the statement in Abuja on Wednesday during a night of tributes held in honour of Orbih, who served as the PDP National Vice-Chairman for the South South zone before his death on August 31 at the age of 64.
Key Highlights
- Wike says God used late Dan Orbih to help him become Rivers governor.
- Wike recalls political pressure and inducements allegedly offered to Orbih to withdraw his support.
- Orbih reportedly donated two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses to support Wike’s campaign.
- Wike says Orbih never sought contracts or personal benefits during his eight years as governor.
- Wike calls for a state burial for the late PDP leader.
- Magnus Abe, Adams Oshiomhole and Sandy Onor pay tribute to Orbih’s political legacy.
Wike recalled the intense political struggle surrounding his gubernatorial ambition between 2013 and 2014, saying Orbih remained loyal despite pressure 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.
The FCT minister said political opponents made several attempts to persuade Orbih to withdraw his support, including alleged offers of financial and political inducements.
“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 Recalls Orbih’s Support
Wike said Orbih, who was then the PDP National Vice-Chairman for the South South, supported his campaign and donated two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses to strengthen his security.
He also credited Orbih with mobilising political support for his campaign across the South South region.
Wike praised the late politician for his selflessness, saying Orbih never sought personal benefits, government contracts or patronage during his eight years as governor of Rivers State.
“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 minister said Orbih’s loyalty and commitment were qualities that ran through his family.
“The only way I can identify a politician that is reliable is when that politician has stood in times of crisis. Loyalty, commitment to friendship, and being a brother’s keeper run in Dan’s family,” he said.
Wike also argued that Orbih’s influence as South South PDP National Vice-Chairman helped several politicians secure elective positions at both the national and state levels.
He described Orbih as a strategic politician who laid the foundation for cross-party collaboration in Edo State and supported several politicians without seeking personal benefits in return.
Wike Calls for State Burial for Orbih
Wike said Orbih deserved a state burial because of his contributions to political development in Edo State.
He urged political stakeholders in the state to recognise the late politician’s contributions and preserve his legacy.
“I will continue to keep my relationship with Dan’s family. I think I will also discuss with the family on how to keep the legacies of Dan,” Wike said.
Magnus Abe: Orbih Introduced Me to Politics
Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Senator Magnus Abe, said Orbih played a major role in his political career.
Abe said Orbih introduced him to politics and recalled serving as the Director-General of his first campaign when he contested the governorship election under the United Nigeria Congress Party.
“I was the Director General of his first campaign in the United Nigeria Congress Party, when he ran for governor and I went everywhere in Edo with him,” Abe said.
Describing Orbih as a “bridge builder par excellence”, Abe said the late politician’s influence extended beyond political parties and personal interests.
“We are gathered here today not because Dan is dead. We are gathered because of the life that he lived and that life impacted all of us in so many different ways,” he said.
Oshiomhole: Orbih Made Me a Better Governor
Former Edo State Governor and current Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, also paid tribute to Orbih, saying the late politician’s opposition made him a better governor.
Oshiomhole said he often considered how Orbih would interpret his decisions before taking action while he was governor.
“So my happiness today is that Dan and I, whatever our political differences we might have had, the truth is, Dan made me a better governor,” Oshiomhole said.
He added that Orbih’s political opposition often forced his administration to prepare more carefully before implementing policies.
Read also:
- South South PDP Calls On Party’s National Leadership To Immortalise Orbih
- Wike Vows To Resign If Tinubu Loses Rivers, FCT In 2027
- Fintiri Visits Wike In Port Harcourt Amid Fresh 2027 Political Speculation
Oshiomhole urged Orbih’s family to draw comfort from his legacy of promoting unity, progress and development.
He also thanked Wike for helping to reconcile him with Orbih after a prolonged political disagreement, recalling that the two reunited at Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt.
Sandy Onor Pays Tribute to Orbih
In his tribute, PDP presidential candidate Senator Sandy Onor described Orbih as a public intellectual, lover of the Edo people, defender of Edo heritage, Nigerian patriot and social leader.
“Dan was a great man by every measure, a true family man, a great husband, and a worthy father,” Onor said.
The tributes highlighted Orbih’s influence across Nigeria’s political landscape and his reputation for building relationships across political divides.
For more political news and updates, follow us on X.
