God used Dan Orbih to make me Rivers governor — Wike
Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike has credited the late Daniel Orbih with playing a decisive role in his emergence as governor of Rivers State in 2015.
Wike spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at a night of tributes held in honour of Orbih, former National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South South, who died on August 31 at the age of 64.
The minister said Orbih stood by him during the intense political battles that preceded the 2015 governorship election, despite pressure and offers of inducements from his political opponents.
“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.
According to him, the political crisis surrounding his ambition between 2013 and 2014 subjected Orbih to considerable pressure, but the late politician refused to abandon him.
“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 said Orbih, who was then the PDP’s South South National Vice-Chairman, also supported his campaign by providing two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses and mobilising political structures across the region.
The minister described Orbih as a politician who remained committed to his relationships without seeking personal benefits.
