Over the weekend, Mr. Samuel Udeh, the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Imo State, showcased a commendable act of integrity by handing over a substantial sum of money forgotten by a passenger to the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma.
The incident occurred at the Command’s headquarters in Owerri, where Udeh, accompanied by members of the union’s management team, presented the money to the CP in the presence of journalists. According to Udeh, the money had been discovered in a vehicle by one of the union’s drivers. After waiting for the rightful owner to reclaim it without success, the union decided to entrust the money to the police for proper identification and eventual return to its owner.
Explaining the decision, Udeh emphasized the importance of integrity as a cornerstone of the union’s new values. He highlighted the ongoing reformation within the NURTW under his leadership, aimed at fostering discipline and professionalism.
“One of my unit chairmen brought this large sum of money to my attention, stating that a passenger had forgotten it in one of our vehicles. Recognizing the need for transparency, we decided to hand it over to the police to ensure it is returned to the rightful owner. This action aligns with the reformed values of our union,” Udeh stated.
He further noted, “Our union, often labeled as ‘agberos’ in the past, has undergone significant transformation. Today, we operate as a well-organized, disciplined, and professional body that contributes to the nation’s economy.”
Commending Udeh and the union for their exemplary behavior, CP Danjuma described the act as a remarkable display of honesty and public trust. He called for national recognition for the driver who discovered the money.
“This is a rare example of transparency and integrity. The decision by the NURTW, through its chairman, to hand over the money to the police reflects a commitment to public trust. Such actions deserve national honor,” the CP said.
He assured the public that the money would remain in police custody until the rightful owner comes forward. If unclaimed after a stipulated period, it will be deposited into the federal government account, with a teller submitted to the court as proof.
The union’s action has drawn widespread praise, sparking discussions about the importance of ethics and transparency in public service and reinforcing the reformed image of the NURTW in Imo State.
