Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has recounted how the late Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Chief Daniel Orbih, allegedly rejected attempts by then Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, to persuade him to withdraw his support for Wike’s governorship ambition.
Wike made the disclosure on Wednesday at a night of tributes held in Abuja in honour of Orbih, the former PDP National Vice-Chairman for the South-South, who died on August 31 at the age of 64.
According to Wike, the period between 2013 and 2014 was marked by intense political pressure as various forces attempted to prevent him from securing the PDP governorship ticket in Rivers State.
He claimed that Amaechi, who was then governor of Rivers State, sent people to Orbih with various inducements in an attempt to get him to abandon Wike’s political ambition.
“There was nothing in this world that was not done to induce him,” Wike said, adding that Orbih remained firm and refused to accept the offers.
Wike credited Orbih’s support with helping him eventually become 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.
Orbih backed Wike’s campaign
Wike recalled that Orbih, who served as PDP National Vice-Chairman for the South-South, played an active role in his campaign and provided two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses for his security.
He also said the late politician helped mobilise political structures across the region in support of his ambition.
Wike described Orbih as a politician who prioritised loyalty and relationships over personal benefits, claiming that Orbih never approached him for contracts or personal favours during his eight years as governor.
“Dan is not a typical Nigerian politician,” Wike said, adding that Orbih never asked him for a government contract throughout his tenure.
Wike calls for state burial
The FCT minister further praised Orbih for what he described as his contribution to political development in Edo State and the wider South-South region.
He argued that Orbih’s political influence helped several politicians attain elective positions and contributed to greater cooperation across political divides.
Wike also called for Orbih to be given a state burial in recognition of his contributions to Edo State.
He said he would maintain his relationship with Orbih’s family and work with them to preserve the late politician’s legacy.
Other political figures who attended the tribute, including former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Magnus Abe, also spoke about Orbih’s influence on their political careers and described him as a bridge-builder.
