The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has credited the late Chief Daniel Orbih with playing a decisive 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 Orbih, the former South-South National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Orbih, who hailed from Etsako in Edo State, died on August 31 at the age of 64.

Recalling the political battles surrounding his 2015 governorship ambition, Wike said Orbih remained firmly behind him despite intense pressure and attempts to induce him into withdrawing his support.

The former Rivers governor described the period between 2013 and 2014 as a difficult phase during which political opponents made concerted efforts 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 disclosed that the then Rivers State governor sent emissaries to Orbih with offers intended to persuade him to abandon 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,’” he said.

According to Wike, Orbih went beyond political endorsement by providing practical support for his campaign, including donating two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses and mobilising political structures across the South-South region.

Wike also highlighted what he described as Orbih’s unusual selflessness, saying the late politician never sought contracts or personal favours from him during 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 said Orbih’s loyalty, commitment and willingness to stand by his allies during difficult periods distinguished him from other politicians.

“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.

The FCT minister further credited Orbih with helping several politicians secure their current positions, saying his influence as the PDP’s South-South National Vice-Chairman was instrumental in protecting the region’s political interests.

Wike also recalled Orbih’s role in promoting political cooperation in Edo State, describing him as a politician who supported others without seeking personal rewards.

He called for Orbih to be accorded a state burial in recognition of his contributions to political development in Edo State.

Wike also pledged to maintain his relationship with Orbih’s family and work with them to preserve the late politician’s legacy.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Senator Magnus Abe, said Orbih was responsible for introducing him to politics.

Abe recalled serving as the Director-General of Orbih’s first governorship campaign under the United Nigeria Congress Party, saying he travelled across Edo State with him during the campaign.

Describing Orbih as “a bridge builder par excellence,” Abe said the gathering was an opportunity to celebrate the impact of his life rather than simply mourn his death.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North in the Senate and a former Governor of Edo State, also acknowledged Orbih’s influence on his tenure as governor.

Oshiomhole said his political differences with Orbih ultimately made him more conscious of his decisions in office and helped him become a better governor.

He recalled that Wike helped reunite him with Orbih after a prolonged political disagreement, noting that their reconciliation began at Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt.

PDP presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, described Orbih as a public intellectual, defender of Edo heritage, Nigerian patriot and “social colossus.”

Onor also praised the deceased as a devoted family man, describing him as a great husband and worthy father.