A 46-year-old Delta-based tanker driver, Ejiro Otarigho, who drove burning tanker away from densely populated area to avert catastrophe, has revealed what he wants from the government.
Otarigho, who is from Agharho town in Ughelli North, Delta State, drove the tanker to the bank of Agbarho River to avert an explosion which would have killed thousands of people and destroy properties worth millions.
In an interview with PUNCH, he said he knew what he did was risky but he would rather sacrifice his life than let hundred of humans die.
He noted that it took great courage and divine intervention for him to achieve his goal.
He also disclosed that the Delta State Government had reached out to him.
Recall that the senate had said the man would be honoured for his uncommon bravery.
Reacting to the the announcement, he said what he needed now was to return to work and that can only be done by getting a new truck for him
He ” I have received calls from them but I am not interested in any national honour of any sort right now. I know God has brought me to a good place where my story is now being told. All I want is a replacement for my burnt tanker so I can go back to my job. I have just been at home and truck driving was the only way I fed. It has not been easy for me since I lost my tanker”
He also added that he was ready to take up another job if the opportunity came, adding that truck driving was risky.
“It is a risky job. Imagine if I had died that day, nothing would have been said of me. If the government has something better for me, I will do it without looking back. All I want is to be able to take care of myself and my family legitimately” he said.
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