The FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has revealed that late Chief Dan Orbih was the divine instrument God used to make him Governor of Rivers State in 2015. Speaking at a Night of Tributes in Abuja in honour of the PDP National Vice Chairman, South-South, who died on August 31 at age 64, Wike said Orbih stood firm despite massive inducements and pressure from opponents to abandon him.
Wike recalled the turbulent 2013/2014 period, stating that his then governor sent people to Orbih with offers of everything in the world to withdraw support, but Orbih refused. He disclosed that Orbih donated two bulletproof buses for his campaign security and mobilized structural support across the South-South, insisting that without his strength as Vice-Chairman, many current lawmakers would not be in office today.
The Minister described Orbih as a rare, selfless politician who never for once, in his eight years as governor, asked for a contract or patronage. He said loyalty and commitment to friendship run in Dan’s family and urged Edo stakeholders to honour him with a state burial for his contributions to the state’s political development.
In their tributes, Senator Magnus Abe said he became a politician because of Orbih, who introduced him to politics, while Senator Adams Oshiomhole said Orbih made him a better governor. PDP Presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, described him as a social colossus, profound intellectual and defender of Edo heritage.
Below are pictures from the event, which featured notable politicians from across the country
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