By IHECHINYERE CHIGEMERI-UWOM

A commercial bus driver in Abia, Mr Onyekachi Ikpendu, on Friday, exhibited an uncommon trait, when he returned more than N400,000 forgotten in his vehicle by a passenger.

The passenger, Mrs Nkechi John, had boarded the bus at Uzuakoli, heading for Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, Umuahia but alighted at Ubani Market.

John, a petty trader, unknowingly left her bag containing the cash and other personal belongings in the vehicle.

Upon realising what happened, she immediately proceeded to the terminal, where Ikpendu had secured the bag and its contents.

Narrating his experience to newsmen, Ikpendu said he had no intention of holding back the money because he was content with earning a living through honest labour.

“I am grateful and content with what I have, therefore, no amount of money I see now will move me to take what does not belong to me,” he said.

According to him, returning the money to the owner was important to him because he believes that God rewards honesty and good deeds.

On her own, John expressed gratitude to the driver for his honesty and thanked Gov. Alex Otti for constructing the terminal.

She said that the terminal made it easier for her to trace the vehicle and recover her belongings, adding that the money was meant for her business.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, commended Ikpendu for displaying integrity and sincerity.

Ukaegbu described the driver’s action as a positive example worthy of emulation by other residents.

He said that the incident demonstrated a positive change in the mindset of Abia citizens.

“Our people are showing gratitude to His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, for his good work and exemplary leadership in the state.

“Honestly, the mindset of the people is changing towards doing the right thing even without being compelled,” the commissioner said.

He urged residents to continue to demonstrate honesty and integrity in their daily life, describing Ikpendu’s action as an example of responsible citizenship. (NAN)

•PHOTO: Abia commercial bus driver, Mr Onyekachi Ikpendu, who found over N400,000 left by a passenger in his vehicle, handing over the cash to the owner, Mrs Nkechi John, at the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, Umuahia, on Friday. PHOTO: NAN.