Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has shared how the late Chief Daniel Orbih rejected financial inducements from the then Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, to withdraw support for his gubernatorial ambition in 2015. Wike made this disclosure in Abuja during a night of tributes in honour of Orbih, the National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South-South. Orbih passed away on August 31 at the age of 64.
According to Wike, Orbih played a crucial role in his emergence as Governor of Rivers State, resisting extreme pressure and financial inducements to remain steadfast. Wike traced the roots of their close bond to the critical period between 2013 and 2014, describing it as a turbulent era when political adversaries made desperate attempts to derail his ambition. Wike credited Orbih for paving the way for his emergence as Governor of Rivers State.
Wike revealed that massive inducements were offered to Orbih to withdraw his support, but he firmly refused. The then Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, sent people to Orbih and offered him everything, but Orbih stood firm and declined. As South-South National Vice-Chairman of the PDP, Orbih backed Wike's campaign by donating two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses to strengthen his security and mobilised massive structural support across the region.
Wike expressed profound admiration for Orbih's rare selflessness, pointing out that throughout his eight-year tenure as Governor of Rivers State, Orbih never sought personal gain, patronage or government contracts. Wike noted that Orbih's loyalty and commitment demonstrated traits deeply rooted in his family heritage. The FCT minister stressed that without Orbih's strength as National Vice-Chairman protecting the region's interests, many current national and state lawmakers would not have attained their positions today.
Wike highlighted Orbih's strategic foresight, noting that the late political titan laid the foundation for cross-party collaboration in Edo and supported many politicians in the state but had not benefited from it. The FCT minister insisted that Orbih deserved a state burial, considering his contribution to political development in Edo State, and urged stakeholders from the state to do something about it. Wike also pledged to continue keeping his relationship with Orbih's family and discuss ways to preserve his legacies.
Other speakers at the event, including Senator Magnus Abe and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, shared their tributes to Orbih, describing him as a bridge builder and a great man who impacted their lives in various ways. Abe disclosed that he was a politician today because of Orbih, who was his campaign Director-General in the United Nigeria Congress Party. Oshiomhole, a former Governor of Edo State, said Orbih made him a better governor by providing guidance and opposition.
The tributes continued with PDP chieftain, Senator Sandy Onor, describing Orbih as a profound public intellectual, a quintessential lover of Edo people, a defender of Edo heritage, a Nigerian patriot, and a social colossus. The event was a testament to Orbih's impact on the lives of many people, and his legacies continue to inspire and influence the political landscape in Nigeria.
Key points
- Orbih rejected financial inducements from Amaechi to support Wike's gubernatorial ambition in 2015.
- Orbih played a crucial role in Wike's emergence as Governor of Rivers State.
- Wike urged stakeholders to consider a state burial for Orbih, given his contributions to Edo State's political development.
