Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has commended an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Ugochukwu Orji, for rejecting a N10 million bribe offered by a fleeing native doctor accused of ritual killings in Enugu State.
Otti gave the commendation on Sunday while receiving a 30-member delegation of the organisers and sponsors of the Oha Isiala Ngwa Grand Civic Reception and Appreciation in his honour.
In a statement released on Monday by his spokesperson, Njoku Ukoha, the governor praised Orji — an indigene of Abia — for demonstrating rare integrity and upholding the values of the state.
“I have always said that we are straightforward people. We don’t steal, we don’t cheat. Out of every 12, there may be a Judas, but what you did is typical of who we are. You represented us very well,” Otti said.
He likened Orji’s action to that of a tricycle rider who returned a large sum of money forgotten by a passenger and was later celebrated.
“Just like the gentleman who returned a huge sum of money and we celebrated him, we will celebrate you also,” he said.
The governor urged Orji not to be discouraged by naysayers, stressing that there is more to gain in integrity than ill-gotten wealth.
“N10 million is a lot of money, but you rejected it because it was not earned. This example you have shown, hold on to it,” he added.
Earlier, Otti expressed appreciation to the organisers of the civic reception for their show of love and unity, noting that the event pulled a crowd of over 10,000 people and raised over N100 million.
“I was shocked by the turnout. It was an unprecedented show of love. I promise to do more to reciprocate this gesture,” the governor said.
Leader of the delegation, Darlington Nwokocha, said the visit was to thank the governor for accepting the honour and attending the event.
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