Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has spoken about the role played by late Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Daniel Orbih, in his becoming the governor of Rivers State in 2015. Wike made this statement at a night of tributes held in Abuja for Orbih, who died on August 31 at the age of 64. During the event, Wike expressed his gratitude to Orbih for his unwavering support during his governorship bid.
According to Wike, Orbih was subjected to intense pressure and inducements to withdraw his support for Wike's governorship bid. Despite these attempts, Orbih remained loyal and continued to support Wike. Wike revealed that Orbih's support went beyond publicly backing his ambition, as he also donated two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses to his campaign for security purposes and helped mobilise political structures in the South-South.
Wike praised Orbih for his selflessness, stating that the late politician never sought personal benefits from their political relationship. Throughout Wike's eight years as governor, Orbih never requested a contract or any form of favour. Wike described Orbih as a politician whose loyalty was tested during periods of crisis, saying the late PDP leader remained dependable when political relationships came under strain.
Wike also credited Orbih with influencing the political careers of several politicians in the South-South and supporting political bridge-building in Edo State. He called on stakeholders in Edo to honour the late politician with a state burial, citing his contributions to the state's political development. Wike expressed his commitment to keeping his relationship with Orbih's family and preserving his legacies.
Other dignitaries at the event, including former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole and Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Magnus Abe, also paid tribute to Orbih. Oshiomhole said their political disagreements ultimately made him a more accountable governor, as he considered how Orbih and his supporters would scrutinise his decisions.
Abe recalled Orbih's influence on his political career, serving as director-general of Orbih's first governorship campaign under the United Nigeria Congress Party. He described Orbih as a bridge builder par excellence, whose life impacted many people in different ways. Former PDP presidential candidate Sandy Onor described Orbih as a public intellectual, defender of Edo heritage, and Nigerian patriot.
Daniel Orbih died on August 31 at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent Nigerian politician, businessman, and long-serving chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party. He served as the PDP National Vice-Chairman (South-South) and as the party's longest-serving Edo State Chairman.
Key points
- Daniel Orbih's support was crucial to Nyesom Wike's becoming Rivers governor in 2015.
- Orbih never sought personal benefits from his political relationships.
- Wike has called for Orbih to be honoured with a state burial in Edo.
