From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has commended the Abia-born immigration Officer, Ugochukwu Prince Orji, who rejected a N10m bribe and arrested a wanted and fleeing Enugu native doctor after allegedly committing heinous crimes against humanity, for making the state proud.
Governor Otti made the commendation when he received in audience Mr. Orji in company of a 30-man delegation of leaders of thought of Isiala Ngwa and South Local Government Areas
Mr. Orji, hails from Obikabia, Isiala Ngwa South LGA of Abia State.
The Governor commended the immigration officer for performing his job very well, thereby demonstrating honesty and being a good ambassador of his community and Abia State.
“I have always made this point that we are straight forward people, we are not criminals. We don’t steal, we don’t cheat. Of course, out of every 12, there must be a Judas. Sometimes the Judas is so loud that he drowns the good jobs of the other 11.”
Otti informed that Abia people are industrious and hardworking people who don’t depend on handouts for survival but would want to work and earn a decent living, adding that they would reject gifts from questionable sources.
“What you did is typical of us; you represented us very, very well. Just like the Gentleman Keke operator who returned huge sum of money and we celebrated him, so, we will celebrate you also.
“The Whole idea is to also let people know that, there is so much to gain by being straightforward. There is so much to gain by rejecting bribes. ₦10 million 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.
Encouraging the immigration officer not to let anybody make him feel bad or discouraged about what he did by telling him what N10 million could have done for him, saying it was foolish to think that way.
“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 thanked him for representing Abia State very well, assuring that he would be celebrated in due course.