Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has commended the Abia-born immigration Officer, Ugochukwu Orji, who recently rejected a ten million Naira bribe while on duty.
He said the officer would be celebrated by Abia State in due course.
He also urged the officer not to be discouraged by anybody mocking him for rejecting the bribe.
Governor Otti gave the commendation weekend when he received top members of Oha Isiala Ngwa who recently organized a civic reception/appreciation for him.
He expressed joy that the immigration officer, Mr. Ugochukwu Orji performed his job very well by demonstrating honesty by being a good ambassador of his community and Abia State at large.
“What you did is typical of us. Just like the gentleman who returned a huge sum of money and we celebrated him, so, we will celebrate you also.
“Ten million Naira is a lot of money, and you could do so much with it, but you rejected it. And, you rejected it because it is not earned…So, I want to encourage you to continue to serve in a straightforward manner. This example you have shown, hold on to it”, Otti told the officer.
He further expressed surprise that some persons are mocking the Immigration officer for not collecting the bribe from a suspected ritualist at Seme Border, but encouraged him not to be disturbed by such dishonest talks.
“It is foolish to think that you can cheat your way out and then become a big man tomorrow,
“No! Whatever you get illegally, somehow, someday, somewhere, you will lose and pay for it,” he said.