Orbih Made Me a Better Governor-Oshiomhole

Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has credited the late Chief Daniel Orbih with making him a better governor, despite the political differences that once divided them.

Oshiomhole made the remark on Wednesday during a night of tributes in Abuja held in honour of Orbih, former National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South South, who died on Aug. 31 at the age of 64.

The former governor said Orbih’s role as an opposition figure forced him to scrutinise his decisions more carefully and consider how the public and political opponents would interpret his actions.

“So my happiness today is that Dan and I, whatever our political differences we might have had, the truth is, Dan made me a better governor,” Oshiomhole said.

He explained that Orbih’s opposition influenced how he approached decisions while serving as governor, particularly because he knew the late politician would subject his actions to public scrutiny.

“So, when I’m making a decision, the first thing I’ll ask is, ‘If this goes out today, what is Dan Orbih going to say?’” he said.

According to Oshiomhole, the prospect of criticism from Orbih and the opposition often compelled him to prepare more thoroughly before implementing decisions.

“Each time I abstain from doing something because of what the opposition led by Dan will interpret to the people, before I do it will be better prepared,” he said.

Oshiomhole therefore described Orbih’s political opposition as a positive influence on his administration, saying, “That is why I say Dan helped me to be a better governor.”

He also recalled his political differences with Orbih and thanked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for helping to reconcile them.

Oshiomhole said Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt provided the setting where he and Orbih began to rebuild their relationship after their prolonged political disagreement.

“It was right at Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt that Dan and I started hugging,” he said.

Addressing Orbih’s family, Oshiomhole urged them to take consolation from the legacy the late politician left behind, particularly his efforts to promote unity and development.

“Please take consolation from the fact that your father built bridges of unity, of progress, and he never did that at the expense of family,” he said.

He also acknowledged Orbih’s commitment to the growth and development of Ogbona Kingdom.

Earlier, Wike had recalled Orbih’s support for his political ambition and credited him with helping to pave the way for his emergence as Governor of Rivers State in 2015.

Wike said Orbih resisted political pressure and inducements during the 2013–2014 period when opponents sought to frustrate his gubernatorial ambition.

“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.

Wike also praised Orbih for supporting his campaign and said the late politician never sought personal contracts or patronage during his eight years as Rivers governor.

Senator Magnus Abe, Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, also credited Orbih with introducing him to politics, describing him as “a bridge builder par excellence.”

The tributes highlighted Orbih’s political influence, relationships across party lines and contributions to political development in Edo State.