Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has applauded Ugochukwu Prince Orji, an Abia-born immigration officer, for his exceptional integrity in rejecting a ₦10 million bribe while on official duty. Describing him as a true patriot and a worthy ambassador of Abia State and Nigeria, Governor Otti said Orji’s act exemplifies the values of honesty, courage, and public service.
Governor Otti gave the commendation while receiving a 30-man delegation of the organisers and sponsors of the Oha Isiala Ngwa Grand Civic Reception/Appreciation held in his honour. The event also served as a platform to recognize Orji’s outstanding conduct, which has continued to draw national admiration.
“You have done your job excellently and shown that you are not just a good ambassador of Isiala Ngwa and Abia State, but of Nigeria as a whole,” Governor Otti said. “What you did is typical of us. We are straightforward people. We don’t steal, we don’t cheat. Yes, there may be a Judas among every 12, but the good must not be drowned out.”
The governor emphasized that Abians are hardworking people who value honesty over ill-gotten wealth. He likened Orji’s story to that of a Keke rider who returned a large sum of money to its rightful owner, noting that Orji would receive official recognition from the state government in due course.
“I was told this incident happened in Enugu State, and I have asked my brother Governor there to start the celebration. We will round it off here at home,” he said. “₦10 million is a lot of money, and you could do so much with it, but you rejected it because it wasn’t earned. I want to encourage you to continue to serve with integrity.”
Governor Otti further urged Orji not to be discouraged by those who might mock his decision. “It is foolish to think you can cheat your way through life and become successful. Whatever is gotten illegally will eventually be lost,” he said.
Mr. Ugochukwu Orji, who hails from Obikabia in Isiala Ngwa South LGA of Abia State, was also lauded by Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his role in apprehending the prime suspect in a gruesome incident in Ezeagu while attempting to flee across Nigeria’s border.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Governor Mbah wrote:
“I was delighted to receive Prince Orji Ugochukwu, the immigration officer who apprehended the prime suspect in the gruesome incident that occurred in Ezeagu, while the suspect was attempting to flee across the Nigerian border.
Ugochukwu has distinguished himself as a man of integrity who, when faced with a test of character, chose duty over personal gain and upheld the honour of his uniform.”
Governor Mbah praised Orji for his courage and patriotism, describing him as a role model for all Nigerians and a shining example of the spirit of public service.
Earlier during the event in Abia, the leader of the delegation, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, presented Orji to the governor, praising his bravery and reaffirming the group’s decision to celebrate both Orji’s conduct and Governor Otti’s leadership.
“The more we celebrate you, we are celebrating ourselves because you have made us proud,” he said.
In a vote of thanks, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, thanked Governor Otti for his humility in accepting to be honoured, even though he is known for shunning public ceremonies.
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