Nigeria's Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports of a strained relationship between him and Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State. Wike made the statement during the funeral Mass of late politician Dan Osi Orbih in Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. He described suggestions of a disagreement between them as misplaced and emphasized their cordial relationship.
Wike expressed gratitude to Okpebholo for receiving Orbih's remains and paying respects to the deceased at his residence in Benin City. Seeing the casket made Wike confront the reality of losing a close friend. He added that the bereaved family needed prayers and strength to cope with the loss. Okpebholo also spoke at the funeral, urging Nigerians, particularly public office holders, to embrace selfless leadership and use their positions to improve society.
The governor noted that Orbih's death had reminded him of the uncertainty of life and the need to make meaningful contributions while alive. He emphasized that wealth, political positions, and personal achievements could not change the reality of death. Okpebholo thanked Wike for supporting Orbih's family during the difficult period. The Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, delivered a homily, urging Nigerians to reflect on the inevitability of death.
The funeral attracted political associates and dignitaries who gathered to honour Orbih, a former South-South National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Wike's political alliance, the Rainbow Coalition, has secured another endorsement in Rivers State following the decision of the Action Alliance to support the group. The party's Rivers State Chairman, Dumbari Nwigbarato, announced the endorsement in Port Harcourt.
Nwigbarato stated that the decision was driven by the need to promote peace, unity, and development in the state. He pledged the party's support for the coalition and its candidates across the state's 23 local government areas and wards. Nwigbarato urged all supporters, political associates, and the good people of Rivers State to align with the Rainbow Coalition for the betterment of the state.
The Action Alliance chairman called on candidates who emerge victorious in the political contest to support their opponents and promote cooperation. He addressed concerns that the coalition was driven by Wike's personal political ambitions and a quest for national power in Rivers State, stating that the endorsement was not based solely on the minister's influence.
Nwigbarato explained that the party was supporting the alliance partly because it had its own political structure in the state and a candidate within the coalition. The Action Alliance's endorsement comes less than a week after the Rivers State chapter of the Labour Party declared its support for the coalition on October 7. The Rainbow Coalition is viewed as a platform for promoting peace and unity in Rivers State.
Key points
- Wike denies reports of a strained relationship with Governor Okpebholo, emphasizing their close relationship and continued collaboration.
- The Action Alliance in Rivers State has endorsed Wike's Rainbow Coalition, citing the need for peace, unity, and development in the state.
- Governor Okpebholo urges Nigerians to embrace selfless leadership and make meaningful contributions to society while alive.
