Former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, has called upon President Bola Tinubu to officially declare October 20th of each year as National Freedom Day. This proposal is intended to honor the collective struggles of Nigerians for justice and serve as a meaningful commemoration of past events.
Mike Okiro, currently the Board Chairman of JusticeNOW International, also known as the NigeriaFIRST Foundation, made this appeal during a press conference held to mark the 3rd anniversary of the EndSARS Memorial 2023 and the 36th monthly Extra-Ordinary Zoom Session of The Diplomatic, Diaspora, and National Strategic Stakeholders Forum.
During his address, Okiro lauded President Tinubu for his strategic appointments, especially his choice of young individuals to serve as Ministers for Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, Minister for Youth Development, Minister for Interior, and other key positions within the Presidency.
Okiro conveyed his belief that by approving the proposal for National Freedom Day, President Tinubu would dispel any notions that he was opposed to the EndSARS protest at the Lekki Toll Gate, as had been speculated in some quarters in Nigeria and abroad.
In his words, Okiro stated, “Your Excellency, in your noble capacity as the Head of the Government of Nigeria, the full responsibility and powers now rest on your shoulders to do something remarkable to change the narratives of the #EndSARS for the better because this generation cannot forget the memories of October 20, 2020.”
He further emphasized, “The Institutionalization of October 20th as National Freedom Day (National Holiday) would be one of Your Excellency’s greatest legacies ever. It will show your true appreciation of your love for the youths as this development would serve as a sign of respect to the souls of the departed at Lekki Toll Gate, otherwise known as struggles for social justice.”
Okiro expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s commitment to engaging and empowering young people within the governance structures of the Federal Government of Nigeria. He also acknowledged the critical roles of various stakeholders, including Comrade Vik-Morrow, the Organization’s Speaker and International President, and the Nigerian/African Diaspora for their ongoing support.
This proposal for a National Freedom Day seeks to recognize and commemorate the struggles of Nigeria’s youth for justice and positive societal change.
