Why Tinubu Deserves Eight Years – Ex-IGP Okiro

Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mike Okiro, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, describing the President’s administration as courageous, reform-driven and unprecedented in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Okiro spoke with journalists on Sunday in Ibadan, Oyo State, where he said Tinubu assumed office at a time of enormous national challenges but has continued to confront them through what he described as carefully sequenced and gradual policy decisions.

According to him, the President’s leadership style has shown uncommon boldness in addressing long-standing structural problems in the country.

The former police boss said Tinubu’s cross-sector reforms, though difficult at the initial stage, were already producing positive outcomes and would reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth before the end of his first term.

He expressed confidence that the administration’s economic and governance policies would deliver long-term benefits, urging Nigerians to look beyond present discomfort.

“President Tinubu has taken difficult but necessary decisions. These reforms are beginning to yield results, and with time, Nigerians will see the full benefits,” Okiro said.

Okiro singled out the removal of fuel subsidy as one of the toughest decisions taken by the Tinubu administration, noting that while it initially caused widespread hardship, it was crucial to stabilising the economy.

According to him, no Nigerian President in recent times had governed with similar courage.

“No Nigerian President has shown this level of boldness. The removal of fuel subsidy was painful, but it was necessary. The economy is gradually stabilising,” he said.

The former IGP urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of the administration, stressing that sustained backing would enable the President to consolidate the ongoing reforms and achieve his long-term vision for the country.

He added that Tinubu’s track record as governor of Lagos State offered a clear insight into what Nigerians should expect if given the opportunity to complete eight years in office.

“His achievements in Lagos show capacity, vision and consistency. They also give us a picture of what Nigerians should expect after eight years,” Okiro stated.

Speaking on insecurity, Okiro expressed optimism that ongoing security interventions under Tinubu’s leadership would significantly reduce criminal activities across the country.

He recalled his working relationship with Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos State governor, attributing the state’s relative peace to a robust and well-coordinated security architecture that continues to influence safety outcomes.

“I am confident that the current security strategies will curb insecurity and reduce criminality nationwide,” he said.

Naijaonpoint reports that Okiro was in Ibadan to formally endorse Tinubu and inaugurate the Grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu.

Okiro, 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.

He was accompanied by leaders from various youth and elders’ forums, including the National Coordinator of the Northern Youth and Elder’s Awareness Forum, Alhaji Mahmud Sani-Yerima, as well as other zonal coordinators.