“He Has Shown Courage and Direction” — Okiro Endorses President Tinubu for Second Term

Former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, citing what he described as decisive leadership and ongoing reforms under the current administration.

Okiro spoke with journalists on Sunday in Ibadan, saying Tinubu took office at a period of deep economic and security challenges and has responded through what he called phased and deliberate policy actions.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Okiro was in Ibadan to formally endorse the President and inaugurate the Grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu, a group aimed at strengthening nationwide political engagement.

He said policies introduced across key sectors were beginning to show results, despite the initial impact on citizens, adding that the reforms were necessary to place the country on a sustainable growth path before the end of Tinubu’s first term.

Okiro referenced Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos State, arguing that his record in office demonstrated capacity for governance and provided a basis for assessing what could be achieved over an eight-year period.

He noted that the decision to remove fuel subsidy, while difficult, marked a significant shift in economic management and said the policy was contributing to gradual stabilisation.

Calling for public support, Okiro urged Nigerians to remain patient, stressing that continued backing would allow the administration to consolidate its reforms.

The former police chief, who holds the traditional title of Maradin Hausawa of Ibadanland, also paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Sarkin Sasa during his visit.

On security, Okiro expressed confidence that ongoing measures would lead to improved safety nationwide. He commended the President’s approach and said existing strategies were expected to reduce criminal activity.

He recalled his professional relationship with Tinubu during his time as Lagos governor, attributing the state’s relative stability to a structured security framework that, according to him, still influences outcomes today.

Okiro was accompanied by leaders of youth and elders’ groups, including the National Coordinator of the Northern Youth and Elder’s Awareness Forum, Alhaji Mahmud Sani-Yerima, alongside other zonal coordinators.