Dare Babalola
A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining Professor Pat Utomi and his associates from proceeding with their plan to establish a shadow government/cabinet in the country.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday issued an order restraining Utomi and his associates from proceeding with their plan to establish a shadow government/cabinet in the country.
Justice Omotosho issued the order while delivering judgment on a suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) against Utomi.
He declared the concept of a shadow government/cabinet as unconstitutional and an alien concept to the nation’s presidential system of government.
The judge held that Utomi and his associates cannot hide under the rights of association and to criticise the government to engage in unlawful activities.
He commended the plaintiff for filing the suit and held, among others, that it was within the right of the DSS to take steps to prevent acts capable of threatening the nation’s internal security.
Recall that the economist and political activist last week announced the formation of a shadow government designed to serve as a credible opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The initiative, which he described as a “national emergency response”, was launched virtually on Monday under the banner of the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government.
He said, “The recent spate of defections to the All Progressives Congress provides further evidence that all is not well with democracy in Nigeria.
“The imperative is that if a genuine opposition does not courageously identify the performance failures of incumbents, offer options, and influence culture in a counter direction, it will be complicit in subverting the will of the people.”
The group will meet weekly to analyse public policy and recommend reforms. Utomi emphasised the importance of focusing on integrity and transparency, which he said are sorely lacking under the current administration.
“This shadow team must also address issues of ethics, transparency, and integrity, which continue to challenge this government at every turn,” he said.
“Nothing is more urgent than tackling the rising poverty across the country. Multinationals are shutting down, and millions are unemployed. Just two recent company exits illustrate how poorly thought-out policies have tanked the economy.”
