Why I returned N.4m forgotten by passenger- Commercial driver

By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com

A commercial bus driver, Mr Onyekachi Ikpendu, has explained why he returned more than N400,000 in cash and other personal belongings left behind in his vehicle by a passenger in Abia State.

The passenger, Mrs. Nkechi John, a petty trader, had boarded Ikpendu’s bus from Uzuakoli to Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal before alighting at Ubani Market.

Unknown to her, she left behind a bag containing the cash, which she said was meant for her business, as well as other personal effects.

After discovering her loss, Mrs. John immediately headed to the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in search of the vehicle.

She was, however, relieved to find that Ikpendu had secured the bag and its contents and was waiting for the owner to return.

Explaining his decision to return the money, Ikpendu said his conscience would not allow him to keep what belonged to another person.

“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 said.

The driver added that honesty was more valuable to him than the money, stressing that he believed God rewards people who do the right thing.

“I have no intention of keeping somebody’s money. I believe God rewards honesty and good deeds,” he added.

Speaking after recovering her belongings, Mrs. John expressed gratitude to the driver for his honesty and commended the Abia State Government for establishing the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal.

She said the terminal made it easier for her to trace the vehicle and recover her money, adding that the incident could have ended differently if there had been no organised terminal from which to trace the bus.

Reacting to the development, the Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, commended Ikpendu for demonstrating what he described as integrity, sincerity and commitment.

Ukaegbu said the driver’s action provided a positive example of responsible citizenship and should encourage others to always do the right thing.

He also described the incident as an indication of a changing mindset among residents of the state, which he attributed to the leadership of Governor Alex Otti.

“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 said.

Ukaegbu urged residents to continue to uphold honesty and integrity in their daily dealings, saying Ikpendu’s action deserved commendation and emula