Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has credited late Chief Daniel Orbih with playing a major role in his emergence as Governor of Rivers State in 2015.
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Wike spoke on Wednesday at a night of tributes held in Abuja in honour of Orbih, the South-South National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who died on August 31 at the age of 64.
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The FCT minister recalled the political tensions surrounding his governorship ambition between 2013 and 2014, saying Orbih remained committed to supporting him despite pressure and attempts by political opponents to change his position.
Wike said Orbih resisted various inducements allegedly offered to him by political figures who wanted him to withdraw his support for the Rivers governorship bid.
According to Wike, the late politician remained firm throughout the period and refused to abandon his political commitment to the former Rivers governor.
Wike recalled that Orbih, who was then the PDP National Vice-Chairman for the South-South, supported his campaign and donated two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses to improve his security during the election period. He also mobilised political support for Wike across the region.
The minister said Orbih remained different from many politicians because he never sought personal benefits from him during his eight years as Rivers governor.
Wike said Orbih never approached him for government contracts, appointments or other personal favours, either through telephone calls or personal visits.
He described loyalty, commitment and support during difficult periods as qualities that characterised Orbih and his family.
Wike also credited the late politician with helping to protect the political interests of the South South, saying his role contributed to the emergence of several lawmakers at both the national and state levels.
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The FCT minister further recalled Orbih’s efforts to build political relationships across party lines in Edo State and support politicians who later attained influential positions, despite not personally benefiting from many of those political relationships.
Wike called for Orbih to be given a state burial in recognition of his contribution to the political development of Edo State. He also promised to maintain his relationship with Orbih’s family and support efforts to preserve his political legacy.
Also speaking at the event, Senator Magnus Abe, Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, said Orbih was responsible for introducing him to politics.
Abe recalled working as director-general of Orbih’s first governorship campaign under the United Nigeria Congress Party and travelling across Edo State with him during the campaign.
He described Orbih as a bridge builder whose political activities had influenced many people and said the gathering was a celebration of the life and impact of the late politician.
Former Edo State Governor and current Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, also credited Orbih with helping him become a better governor despite their political differences.
Oshiomhole said Orbih’s opposition often made him reconsider government decisions because he would first consider how the late politician and the public might interpret them.
He thanked Wike for helping to restore his relationship with Orbih after years of political disagreement, recalling that the two reconciled at Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt.
Oshiomhole also urged Orbih’s family to draw comfort from his contributions to unity, development and the growth of Ogbona Kingdom.
In his tribute, former PDP presidential candidate Senator Sandy Onor described Orbih as a public intellectual, a defender of Edo heritage, a patriot and an influential figure who contributed to the political development of the state and the country.
Onor also described the late politician as a devoted family man, husband and father.
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