Honest Abia Bus Driver Returns N400,000 Forgotten by Petty Trader

Commissioner hails driver’s integrity as evidence of changing mindset under Otti administration

UMUAHIA — A commercial bus driver, Mr. Onyekachi Ikpendu, has been commended for returning over N400,000 in cash forgotten in his vehicle by a passenger, Mrs. Nkechi John, in Umuahia.

Mrs. John, a petty trader, boarded the bus from Uzuakoli en route the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal but alighted at Ubani Market, inadvertently leaving behind her bag containing the money and other personal belongings.

Upon realising the loss, she rushed to the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal where the driver had already secured the bag and was waiting for the owner.

Speaking to newsmen at the terminal, Mr. Ikpendu said keeping the money never crossed his mind.

“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,” he stated.

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

The owner, Mrs. John, expressed gratitude to the driver for his sincerity.

She disclosed that the money was her business capital and commended Governor Alex Otti for building the terminal, saying it made it possible for her to trace the vehicle and recover her belongings.

“If the terminal had not been built, it might have been difficult for me to trace the vehicle,” she said.

Reacting to the development, the Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, described the driver’s action as “a display of integrity, sincerity and commitment” worthy of emulation.

He said the gesture was evidence of a positive change in the mindset of Abians under the current administration.

“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,” Dr. Ukaegbu said.

The Commissioner urged residents to continue to demonstrate honesty and integrity in their daily activities, noting that the driver’s action was an example of responsible citizenship.