Wike Calls for State Burial for Daniel Orbih

Nyesom Wike called for a state burial for late politician Daniel Orbih at a tribute in Abuja, while crediting him with supporting Wike’s successful 2015 bid to become governor of Rivers State. Wike, now Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, said Orbih stood by him during political pressure in the period leading up to the election. He alleged that the governor of Rivers State at the time sent people to offer Orbih inducements to withdraw his support. Wike did not identify the governor, and the allegation was not independently corroborated in the accounts of the tribute. Wike said Orbih donated two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses to improve campaign security and helped mobilise political support across the South South. He also said that during his eight years as governor, Orbih never asked him for a contract or personal favour. The minister described Orbih as a dependable ally whose support mattered during a difficult period in his political career. He said he would discuss with Orbih’s family how to preserve the late politician’s legacy. Wike urged Edo stakeholders to honour Orbih with a state burial, citing his contribution to the state’s political development.