The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports of a strained relationship between him and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, insisting that their relationship remains cordial as his Rainbow Coalition secures another political endorsement in Rivers State.
Wike spoke on Saturday during the funeral Mass of late politician Dan Osi Orbih in Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, where he reaffirmed his political relationship with the governor.
“There is no problem between me and the governor; we are very close; we work together and we will continue to work together,” the minister said.
He described suggestions of a disagreement between them as misplaced, stressing that their relationship remained strong.
Wike also expressed appreciation to Okpebholo for receiving Orbih’s remains and paying his respects to the deceased at his residence in Benin City.
The FCT minister said seeing the casket brought home the reality of losing a close friend. He added that the bereaved family needed prayers, support and strength to cope with the loss.
Okpebholo Calls for Selfless Leadership at Dan Orbih’s Funeral
Speaking at the funeral, Governor Okpebholo urged Nigerians, particularly public office holders, to embrace selfless leadership and use their positions to make meaningful contributions to society.
The governor said Orbih’s death had reminded him of the uncertainty of life and the importance of making a positive impact while alive.
According to him, wealth, political positions and personal achievements cannot change the reality of death.
Okpebholo also thanked Wike for supporting Orbih’s family during the difficult period.
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, called on Nigerians to reflect on the inevitability of death, regardless of their titles, qualifications, social status or achievements.
The funeral attracted political associates and dignitaries who gathered to honour Orbih, a former South-South National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Action Alliance Endorses Wike’s Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State
Meanwhile, Wike’s political alliance, the Rainbow Coalition, has secured another endorsement in Rivers State following the decision of the Action Alliance to support the group.
The Action Alliance’s Rivers State Chairman, Dumbari Nwigbarato, announced the decision in Port Harcourt on behalf of himself and the party’s State Executive Committee.
Nwigbarato said the endorsement was motivated by the need to promote peace, unity and development in Rivers State.
He pledged the party’s support for the Rainbow Coalition and its candidates across the state’s 23 local government areas and wards.
“We urge all our supporters, political associates and the good people of Rivers State to align with the Rainbow Coalition for the betterment of this state,” he said.
The party chairman also urged candidates who emerge victorious in the political contest to extend their support to other contestants and encourage cooperation.
“We urge whoever emerges victorious to support and carry other candidates along in the spirit of truth, unity, love and progress of Rivers State,” Nwigbarato added.
Action Alliance Explains Support for Rainbow Coalition
Nwigbarato also addressed concerns that the Rainbow Coalition was driven primarily by Wike’s personal political ambitions or a quest for national power in Rivers State.
He maintained that the endorsement was not based solely on the FCT minister’s influence, explaining that the Action Alliance had its own political structure in Rivers State and a candidate within the coalition.
“We are not only throwing our support to the Rainbow Coalition just because of one person. We are supporting the Rainbow Coalition agenda because we also have our candidate in the Rainbow Coalition,” he said.
Nwigbarato described the alliance as a platform for promoting peace and unity in the state.
“The Rainbow Coalition is only a harbinger of peace and unity of our own dear state, which is precious to all of us,” he added.
Labour Party Had Earlier Endorsed Rainbow Coalition
The Action Alliance endorsement comes less than a week after the Rivers State chapter of the Labour Party declared its support for the Rainbow Coalition on October 7.
The latest endorsement adds to the coalition’s political backing in Rivers State as parties and political actors consider alliances ahead of future political contests.
With the Action Alliance pledging support for the coalition and its candidates across the state’s local government areas and wards, attention will be on how the alliance translates the endorsements into broader political cooperation.
Meanwhile, Wike’s remarks at Dan Orbih’s funeral have also reinforced his public position that his relationship with Governor Okpebholo remains cordial, despite reports suggesting otherwise.