NUJ calls on govt. to celebrate, compensate tanker driver who put life on line for others

The Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the heroic tanker driver, Mr. Ejiro Otarigho, who put his life on the line to avert a major fire catastrophe at the Agbarho area of the State.

In a press release jointly signed by the president and secretary of the union, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and Comrade Patrick Ochei respectively, the union lauded the young man for his patriotism at a time when most Nigerians have list hope in the nation.

Texts of the statement read, “In a situation like this, other drivers would have abandoned the already burning truck laden with diesel on the road; and thereby causing a disaster that would have definitely affected other road users and even lives and properties within that vicinity.

“However, in that pathetic state of mind, Mr. Otarigho made up his mind to perish in the fire until he had driven the fire engulfed truck out of human populated environment to the river.

“We give glory to God Almighty that he didn’t die, but survived to tell his heroic story.

“On this note, we call on the Federal Government, Delta State Government and of course the Ughelli North Local Government to celebrate this young man and duly compensate him.

“His singular effort had saved the State so much,  otherwise, if the incident had occurred, the State would have been counting its losses in human casualties and property destructions.

“On our part as a Union and mirror of society, the young Otarigho is our man of the year, and at the appropriate time, we will honour him to prove to the world that there are still patriotic ordinary Nigerians. People like him are those that truly deserve media awards. We are really proud of him.

“God bless our dear State, Delta! God bless Nigeria!!” The statement concluded.