Abia lauds driver for returning passenger’s N400,000

The Abia State Government has commended a commercial bus driver, Onyekachi Ikpendu, for returning over N400,000 forgotten in his vehicle by a passenger, describing the gesture as a display of integrity and sincerity.

The state Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, said the driver’s action was a positive example of responsible citizenship and evidence of a changing mindset among residents.

Ukaegbu, who spoke on the development on Friday, said the driver deserved commendation for resisting the temptation to keep the money and other personal belongings left in his vehicle.

He said the incident demonstrated the importance of honesty and integrity in the daily activities of residents, urging others to emulate the driver.

Ikpendu had returned over N400,000 in cash forgotten in his vehicle by a passenger, Nkechi John.

Saturday PUNCH learnt that John, a trader, boarded the bus from Uzuakoli en route to the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal but alighted at Ubani Market and inadvertently left her bag containing the money and other personal belongings in the vehicle.

Upon realising her loss, she immediately rushed to the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, where the driver had secured the cash and other belongings, waiting for the owner to return.

Speaking in an interview with journalists at the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal on Friday, Ikpendu said he had no intention of keeping the money for himself, stressing that he was content with earning a living through his honest labour.

“I am grateful because I am not eating somebody’s sweat; I am eating my own.

“No amount of money I see now will move me to take what does not belong to me,” Ikpendu stated.

He added that returning the money was important to him because he believed that God rewards honesty and good deeds.

Also speaking, the owner of the forgotten bag, who was full of gratitude, thanked the driver for his sincerity and commended Governor Alex Otti for building the terminal.

She said if the terminal had not been built, it might have been difficult for her to trace the vehicle and recover the cash, which she revealed was business money.

Commenting on the incident, Ukaegbu said, “Our people are showing gratitude to His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, for the good work.

“Honestly, the mindset of the people is changing towards doing the right thing without even being compelled to do so.”

The commissioner used the opportunity to urge residents to continue demonstrating honesty and integrity in their daily activities, noting that the driver’s action was a worthy example of responsible citizenship.