Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has credited the late National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South South, Chief Daniel Orbih, with playing a crucial role in his emergence as Governor of Rivers State in 2015.
Wike spoke on Wednesday at a night of tributes held in Abuja in honour of Orbih, who died on August 31 at the age of 64.
Reflecting on their political relationship, Wike recalled the difficult period leading to the 2015 Rivers governorship election, saying Orbih remained committed to his ambition despite pressure and attempts to sway his support.
“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 his relationship with Orbih became particularly significant between 2013 and 2014, when political opponents allegedly made efforts to frustrate his ambition.
According to Wike, the then governor of Rivers State also sent people to Orbih with offers aimed at persuading him to withdraw his support, but the late politician refused.
“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 further recalled that Orbih, who was then the PDP National Vice-Chairman, South South, provided both political and security support for his campaign, including donating two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses.
He described Orbih as a politician who remained committed to his relationships without seeking personal rewards, saying the late politician never approached him for contracts or favors during 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 was also reflected in his family values, describing commitment to friendship and standing by others in difficult times as traits associated with the late politician’s 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 said Orbih’s role in protecting the interests of the South South region helped several politicians secure elective positions, adding that many serving lawmakers may not have attained their positions without his support.
He further described Orbih as a political strategist who encouraged cooperation across party lines in Edo State and supported the emergence of several politicians without seeking personal benefits from them.
Wike called on the Edo State Government and other stakeholders to honour Orbih with a state burial in recognition of his contributions to the state’s political development.
“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,” he said.