Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has commended an Abia-born immigration officer, Ugochukwu Prince Orji, who rejected a N10 million bribe while on duty, stating that Orji’s honesty and integrity would be celebrated in due course for his exemplary behavior.
Governor Otti while receiving a 30-man delegation from the organizers of the Oha Isiala-Ngwa Grand Civic Reception/Appreciation, which was held in his honor, thanked the organizers for the grand event, which drew over 10,000 people, and appreciated their efforts in raising over N100 million for the occasion.
The governor expressed gratitude to those who traveled from different parts of the country and outside the world, including Lagos, Abuja, and the USA, to attend the event. He was impressed by the unprecedented show of love and promised to reciprocate by doing more for the state.
Governor Otti commended Mr. Orji for demonstrating honesty and being a good ambassador of his community and Abia State. He emphasized that Abia people are known for being straightforward and hardworking, and they don’t depend on handouts for survival.
The governor recalled celebrating a Keke driver who returned a huge sum of money to its owner and promised to similarly celebrate Mr. Orji for his integrity. He disclosed that he had discussed with the Governor of Enugu State, where the event took place, to start the celebration from there and conclude it in Abia State.
Governor Otti encouraged Mr. Orji to continue serving with integrity and not to let anyone discourage him from doing the right thing. He emphasized that there is much to gain by being straightforward and rejecting bribes, and that whatever is obtained illegally will eventually be lost.
The leader of the delegation, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, thanked the Governor for accepting to be honored and presented Mr. Orji, who made them proud by rejecting the N10 million inducement, explained that they came together to celebrate the Governor’s achievements and contributions to the state.
In his vote of thanks, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, the member representing Isiala North and South in the Federal House of Representatives, thanked the Governor for accepting to be honored and for promising to fix the Sam Ihesilor stadium, Okpuala Ngwa, the venue of the grand civic reception. He also appreciated the organizers for their contributions to the event
