Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has praised Ugochukwu Prince Orji, an Abia-born immigration officer who rejected a N10 million bribe while on duty, describing him as a true patriot and exemplary ambassador of the state.
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 for his leadership strides in Isiala Ngwa and across the state.
He lauded Orji’s integrity and courage, saying his action reflects the values Abians are known for—honesty, diligence, and a strong work ethic.
“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,” 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 noted that Abians are industrious people who work hard to earn a decent living and would naturally reject dubious gifts. He recalled how he recently honoured a Keke rider who returned a large sum of forgotten cash to its owner, saying Orji would receive similar recognition.
“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,” Otti stated, adding that honesty pays and should always be celebrated.
“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 straightforwardly. This example you have shown, hold on to it.”
He encouraged the honest 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, stating, “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.
Mr. Orji hails from Obikabia, Isiala Ngwa South LGA of Abia State.
Earlier in his speech, the leader of the delegation, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, revealed that they came to thank the Governor for accepting to be honoured and for honoring their invitation and presented their son, Mr. Ugochukwu Promise Orji, who made them proud by rejecting N10 Million inducement to compromise on the line of duty.
He explained that they came together on their own, agreed to celebrate the Governor, and happily contributed to doing so, noting that “The more we celebrate you, we are celebrating ourselves because you have made us proud.”
In his vote of thanks, the member representing Isiala North and South in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, thanked the Governor for accepting to be honoured even though he is not given to such public outings.
