President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to emulate two security men who returned a handbag filled with valuables forgotten at the Murtala Muhammed Airport by an American returnee, saying such conduct reflects the new Nigeria that we all desire.
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday by his spokesman, Femi Adesina.
He said a Lagos-based medical doctor, Banji Oyegbami, had met a family returning from America at the airport on August 18, 2018.
“In the process of loading their luggage into the car of their host, the handbag of the returnee’s wife fell, unknown to anyone.
“It was not till 90 minutes later that an officer of Halogen Securities, on duty at the airport, called the couple, to come for the retrieved bag.
“When the bag was eventually collected, the contents, including a handsome amount of American dollars, phone, wrist watch, and other valuables were intact.
“The grateful couple offered a generous gift, but Messrs Francis Emepueaku and Achi Daniel, declined, saying they were merely doing their duties.
“President Buhari believes that despite the scoffing of a minority number, Nigeria is resolutely on the road to a new dawn.”
Buhari was quoted as saying, “Honesty remains the best policy. We must exhibit such behaviour in whatever position we find ourselves, whether high or low”.
“The security men could have chosen to behave differently, following the self-serving principle of ‘if you can’t beat them, join them.’ But they have chosen to be examples of good, honest Nigerians. I commend their conduct to the rest of the country,” he said.
