A commercial bus driver, Mr Onyekachi Ikpendu, has returned more than N400,000 in cash forgotten in his vehicle by a passenger, Mrs Nkechi John, in Abia State.

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

After realising that she had left the bag in the vehicle, she immediately rushed to the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, where the driver had kept the cash and other belongings, waiting for the owner to return.

Speaking with journalists at the terminal on Friday, Ikpendu said he never considered keeping the money, stressing that he was content with earning a living through 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,” he stated.

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

Also speaking, John expressed gratitude to Ikpendu for his honesty and commended Governor Alex Otti for constructing the terminal.

She said the existence of 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 Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, commended Ikpendu for demonstrating integrity.

Ukaegbu described the driver’s action as “a display of integrity, sincerity and commitment,” adding that he had set a positive example for others to emulate.

The commissioner said the incident reflected what he described as a positive change in the mindset of Abians, which he attributed to the leadership of Governor Alex Otti.

According to Ukaegbu, “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.”

He urged residents to continue demonstrating honesty and integrity in their daily activities, describing the driver’s gesture as a worthy example of responsible citizenship.