Wike: How Late Dan Orbih Helped Me Become Rivers Governor
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed how the late Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice-Chairman, South South, Chief Daniel Orbih, played a crucial role in his emergence as Governor of Rivers State in 2015.
Wike made the revelation on Wednesday at a night of tributes held in Abuja in honour of Orbih, who died on August 31 at the age of 64.
Recalling the political challenges that preceded the 2015 Rivers governorship election, Wike said Orbih remained steadfast in his support despite intense pressure and attempts by political opponents to frustrate his ambition.
“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.
He explained that his relationship with Orbih became particularly important between 2013 and 2014, when efforts were allegedly made to persuade the late politician to withdraw his backing.
According to Wike, the then governor of Rivers State sent emissaries to Orbih with offers intended to make him abandon his support, but Orbih refused to compromise.
“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,’” he said.
Wike further disclosed that Orbih provided political and security support during his campaign, including donating two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses.
The FCT minister described Orbih as a politician who valued loyalty and relationships above personal gain, noting that the late PDP chieftain never approached him for contracts or favours throughout his eight years as Rivers 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,” Wike said.
He also praised Orbih's family values, particularly his commitment to friendship, loyalty and standing by people during difficult 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.
Wike said Orbih's influence extended beyond his personal political journey, noting that the late politician played a significant role in protecting the interests of the South South region and helping several politicians secure elective positions.
He also described Orbih as a political strategist who promoted cooperation across party lines in Edo State and supported the emergence of several politicians without demanding personal rewards.
Wike called on the Edo State Government and other stakeholders to honour Orbih with a state burial in recognition of his contributions to the state's political development.
He also pledged to maintain his relationship with Orbih's family and support efforts to preserve the late politician's legacy.
“I will continue to keep my relationship with Dan’s family. I think I will also discuss with the family on how to keep the legacies of Dan,” he added.
Wike made the revelation on Wednesday at a night of tributes held in Abuja in honour of Orbih, who died on August 31 at the age of 64.
Recalling the political challenges that preceded the 2015 Rivers governorship election, Wike said Orbih remained steadfast in his support despite intense pressure and attempts by political opponents to frustrate his ambition.
“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.
He explained that his relationship with Orbih became particularly important between 2013 and 2014, when efforts were allegedly made to persuade the late politician to withdraw his backing.
According to Wike, the then governor of Rivers State sent emissaries to Orbih with offers intended to make him abandon his support, but Orbih refused to compromise.
“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,’” he said.
Wike further disclosed that Orbih provided political and security support during his campaign, including donating two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses.
The FCT minister described Orbih as a politician who valued loyalty and relationships above personal gain, noting that the late PDP chieftain never approached him for contracts or favours throughout his eight years as Rivers 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,” Wike said.
He also praised Orbih's family values, particularly his commitment to friendship, loyalty and standing by people during difficult 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.
Wike said Orbih's influence extended beyond his personal political journey, noting that the late politician played a significant role in protecting the interests of the South South region and helping several politicians secure elective positions.
He also described Orbih as a political strategist who promoted cooperation across party lines in Edo State and supported the emergence of several politicians without demanding personal rewards.
Wike called on the Edo State Government and other stakeholders to honour Orbih with a state burial in recognition of his contributions to the state's political development.
He also pledged to maintain his relationship with Orbih's family and support efforts to preserve the late politician's legacy.
“I will continue to keep my relationship with Dan’s family. I think I will also discuss with the family on how to keep the legacies of Dan,” he added.
