Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has commended Ugochukwu Promise Orji, an officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service from Obikabia in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, for rejecting a ₦10 million bribe while on duty.
Governor Otti gave the commendation while receiving a 30-man delegation of leaders and sponsors of the Oha Isiala Ngwa Grand Civic Reception held in his honour. The event, which drew over 10,000 attendees, was organized to recognize the Governor’s leadership achievements in Isiala Ngwa and across the state.
“I want to thank you for organizing such a grand reception. I was overwhelmed by the massive turnout and the genuine display of love,” Otti said. He acknowledged the over ₦100 million reportedly raised for the event through voluntary contributions and praised the commitment of those who traveled from within and outside Nigeria to attend.
The Governor lauded Officer Orji for his integrity and service, describing him as a worthy ambassador of Abia State. “I’ve always said that Abians are hardworking and honest people. We do not condone criminality. Mr. Orji’s action reinforces this belief,” he stated.
He added that the officer would be formally celebrated, just as he previously honored a tricycle rider who returned a large sum of forgotten money to its owner. “There is so much to gain by living an honest life,” Otti emphasized. “₦10 million is a lot of money, but you rejected it because it was not earned. That integrity must be upheld.”
The Governor urged Orji not to be discouraged by any negative reactions, affirming that the state is proud of him and will recognize his exemplary conduct.
Earlier, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, who led the delegation, said the visit was to appreciate the Governor for accepting their invitation and to present Mr. Orji as a son who made the community proud through his integrity. “The more we celebrate you, the more we celebrate ourselves,” Nwokocha told the Governor.
In his vote of thanks, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, expressed gratitude to the Governor for attending the reception and for pledging to renovate the Sam Iheisuilor Stadium, Okpuala Ngwa, which hosted the event.
Other members of the delegation included Hon. Chief Collins Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu, representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, as well as captains of industry and political leaders from both Isiala Ngwa North and South LGAs.
Nzubechukwu Eze
