Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the late National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, South South, Chief Daniel Orbih, rejected several inducements and pressure to abandon his support for his 2015 governorship ambition in Rivers State.

Wike disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a night of tributes held in honour of Orbih, who died on August 31 at the age of 64.

The former Rivers State governor said Orbih remained loyal to him during a difficult political period between 2013 and 2014, despite attempts by his political opponents to frustrate his ambition.

Wike recalled that the then Rivers State governor sent people to Orbih with offers aimed at persuading him to withdraw 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,’” Wike said.

He described Orbih as the person God used to pave the way for his emergence as governor of Rivers State in 2015.

“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,” he said.

According to Wike, Orbih went beyond political support by helping to strengthen his campaign and security arrangements, including donating two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses.

He said the late politician also mobilised political structures across the South South in support of his ambition.

Wike described Orbih as a politician more interested in loyalty and service than personal benefits, saying he never approached him for contracts or favours during his eight years as 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,” he said.

The FCT minister said Orbih’s loyalty and commitment were qualities that had also been demonstrated by his family over the years.

He credited the late politician with helping to protect the political interests of the South South, saying many politicians who currently occupy elective offices benefited from his efforts.

Wike said Orbih’s contributions to politics and the development of Edo State deserved greater recognition, urging stakeholders in the state to consider giving him a state burial.

He also promised to maintain his relationship with Orbih’s family and support efforts to preserve his political legacy.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Senator Magnus Abe, said Orbih played a major role in introducing him to politics.

Abe described the deceased as a bridge builder whose political influence extended beyond party lines.

Similarly, former Edo State governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, said Orbih contributed to making him a better governor despite their political differences.

Oshiomhole said he often considered how Orbih and the opposition would interpret his decisions before taking major actions while he was governor.

He thanked Wike for helping to reconcile him with Orbih after years of political disagreement, recalling that their reconciliation began at Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt.

In his tribute, former PDP presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, described Orbih as a public intellectual, patriot, family man and defender of Edo heritage.

He said the late politician left a lasting impact on the people around him through his public service and commitment to his community.