Who Did God Use For Me? — Wike Reveals Late Orbih’s Role In His 2015 Victory

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has credited the late former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-South National Vice-Chairman, Daniel Orbih, with playing a significant role in his emergence as Governor of Rivers State in 2015.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Wike made the disclosure on Wednesday during a night of tributes held in Abuja in honour of Orbih, who died on August 31 at the age of 64.

Wike recalled the intense political battles surrounding his 2015 governorship ambition, saying Orbih remained firmly behind him despite pressure and alleged attempts by his political opponents to persuade him to withdraw his support.

The FCT minister traced his close relationship with Orbih to the politically turbulent period between 2013 and 2014, when he said several efforts were made to frustrate his ambition of becoming Rivers State governor.

“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 alleged that political opponents, including the then Rivers State governor, attempted to influence Orbih through pressure and various inducements, but the late PDP chieftain refused to abandon his support.

Wike said Orbih also contributed directly to his campaign by providing two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses for security purposes and helping mobilise political support across the South-South region.

According to the minister, Orbih’s loyalty extended beyond political support, as he never demanded government contracts or personal favours during Wike’s eight years as governor of Rivers State.

“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 described Orbih as a dependable politician whose loyalty and commitment were evident during difficult periods, adding that the qualities also ran through the late politician’s family.

Wike further praised Orbih for defending the interests of the South-South region and contributing to the emergence of several lawmakers and political office holders. He also highlighted the late politician’s role in building political relationships across Edo State and beyond.

Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Senator Magnus Abe, also paid tribute to Orbih, recalling the role the late politician played in his own political journey.

Abe said he served as the Director-General of Orbih’s first governorship campaign under the United Nigeria Congress Party and travelled across Edo State with him during the campaign.

Describing Orbih as a “bridge builder par excellence,” Abe said the tribute was an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the late politician’s life and his contributions to those around him.

Former Edo State governor and serving senator, Adams Oshiomhole, also acknowledged Orbih’s influence on his political career, despite their political disagreements over the years.

Oshiomhole said Orbih’s criticisms as an opposition figure often forced him to examine his decisions more carefully while serving as governor, ultimately making him a better public office holder.

He also recalled that Wike played a role in reconciling him with Orbih after a prolonged political disagreement, saying the two men eventually began embracing each other at Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt.

Wike called on stakeholders in Edo State to honour Orbih with a state burial in recognition of his contributions to the state’s political development.

The FCT minister also pledged to maintain a close relationship with Orbih’s family and support efforts to preserve the late politician’s legacy.

In another tribute, PDP presidential candidate Senator Sandy Onor described Orbih as a public intellectual, a defender of Edo heritage, a Nigerian patriot and a prominent figure who made significant contributions to his community.

Onor also described the late politician as a devoted family man, husband and father, as tributes continued to pour in from political leaders and associates who reflected on his life and legacy.