Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has recalled how the late former National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South South, Dan Orbih, played a key role in his emergence as Governor of Rivers State in 2015.
Wike spoke on Wednesday at a night of tributes held in Abuja in honour of Dan Orbih, who died on August 31 at the age of 64.
Recalling the political battles surrounding his 2015 governorship ambition, Wike said Orbih remained steadfast despite intense pressure and inducements from political opponents who sought to frustrate his bid.
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“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,” Wike said.
The minister said opponents, including the then Rivers governor, made several attempts to persuade Orbih to withdraw his support.
“There was nothing in this world that was not done to induce him. My governor then sent people to Dan, offered him everything in this world, but Dan stood firm and said, ‘No, I will not accept, I will not agree.’”
Wike also recalled Orbih’s support for his campaign, saying the late politician donated two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses and mobilised political support across the South-South.
He described Orbih as a politician who never sought personal benefits from his political relationships, saying the late PDP chieftain did not approach him for contracts or patronage throughout his eight years as governor.
“Dan is not a typical Nigerian politician. Throughout my eight years as governor, he never came for one day—either by phone or coming to my house to say, ‘I need this contract.’ Never,” he said.
Wike said Orbih’s loyalty and commitment were qualities that ran in his family, adding that the late politician stood by his allies during difficult political periods.
“The only way I can identify a politician that is reliable is when that politician has stood in times of crisis. Loyalty, commitment to friendship, and being a brother’s keeper run in Dan’s family,” he said.
He further credited Orbih with helping to strengthen political representation in the South-South, saying many current national and state lawmakers benefited from the political structure he helped build.
Wike also highlighted Orbih’s efforts to promote political cooperation in Edo State, saying the late politician supported several politicians across party lines without seeking personal benefit.
The FCT minister called for a state burial for Orbih in recognition of his contributions to political development in Edo State.
He also pledged to maintain contact with Orbih’s family and explore ways of preserving his legacy.
Former senator Magnus Abe said Orbih was responsible for introducing him to politics, recalling that he served as director-general of Orbih’s first governorship campaign under the United Nigeria Congress Party.
Abe described Orbih as “a bridge builder par excellence”, saying the late politician’s influence extended beyond party politics.
Former Edo governor and current Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, also credited Orbih with helping him become a better governor.
Oshiomhole said Orbih’s opposition often forced him to scrutinise his decisions more carefully while in office.
“So my happiness today is that Dan and I, whatever our political differences we might have had, the truth is, Dan made me a better governor,” he said.
He also thanked Wike for helping to reconcile him with Orbih after years of political differences, recalling that they began rebuilding their relationship at Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt.
In his tribute, the PDP presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, described Orbih as “a profound public intellectual, a quintessential lover of Edo people, a defender of Edo heritage, a Nigerian patriot and a social colossus.”
“Dan was a great man by every measure, a true family man, a great husband, and a worthy father,” he said.
