Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has disclosed that the late Chief Daniel Orbih turned down every inducement from the then Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, to withdraw his support for Wike’s governorship ambition. Wike spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at a night of tributes in honour of Orbih, the former National Vice-Chairman (South South) of the Peoples Democratic Party, who died on August 31 at the age of 64.

“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,’” the minister said. He traced their bond to the turbulent period between 2013 and 2014, when political adversaries made desperate attempts to derail his ambition.

Wike said Orbih, as South South National Vice-Chairman of the PDP, backed his campaign by donating two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses for his security and mobilising massive structural support across the region. He described Orbih as selfless, noting that the late politician never sought personal gain, patronage or government contracts throughout Wike’s eight years as governor.

The minister stressed that loyalty and commitment to friendship ran in Orbih’s family. He said without Orbih’s strength as National Vice-Chairman protecting the region’s interests, many current national and state lawmakers would not have attained their positions. Wike also called for a state burial for Orbih in recognition of his contributions to political developments in Edo State.

Other speakers at the event included Senator Magnus Abe, who said Orbih introduced him to politics, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who credited Orbih with helping him become a better governor. PDP presidential candidate Senator Sandy Onor described Orbih as a profound public intellectual, a lover of Edo people and a Nigerian patriot.