Utomi vows to keep speaking out despite court ban on shadow government

Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has insisted that a federal high court ruling restraining him from forming a shadow cabinet will not silence him from expressing his views or meeting with fellow citizens.

Justice James Omotosho had on Monday declared Utomi’s shadow government initiative unconstitutional, ruling that Nigeria’s presidential system does not recognise any parallel administration.

Reacting in an interview on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, Utomi said his plan was never about constitutional recognition but about providing alternative ideas.

“I hope the lawyers will have something to say. We were not looking to find a place in the constitution of Nigeria. This is unprecedented. Whatever it is, we’re not looking for a place in the constitution,” he said.

When asked if the judgement would end his shadow government project, Utomi maintained that he would continue exercising his civic rights. “As a citizen, I do expect that I will continue to be able to express myself. I also have the freedom to meet with other citizens to jointly express ourselves,” he added.

Utomi first launched the initiative in May under the Big Tent Coalition, describing it as a credible opposition platform to the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The Department of State Services (DSS) later sued him, arguing that the project usurped executive authority and could trigger public disorder.

Despite unveiling members of the shadow cabinet in July to provide policy alternatives, the federal government and the DSS strongly opposed the move, warning it could destabilise the country.

Justice Omotosho ultimately upheld the DSS position, ruling that Nigeria’s constitution does not provide for any form of alternative or parallel government.