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Utomi Faults Tinubu’s Policies, Launches Opposition Shadow Cabinet

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

In a bold move to reshape Nigeria’s political discourse, Professor Pat Utomi, a renowned political economist, has unveiled a shadow cabinet under the ‘Big Tent’ coalition to provide expert-driven policy alternatives to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking in Abuja after a two-day strategy retreat, Utomi said the shadow cabinet is not designed to compete with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) but to offer credible critiques and strategic policy recommendations. The initiative, he said, is rooted in democratic principles that call for informed public debate and accountability. “The progress of any government is to ensure the welfare of the people,” Utomi said. “There must be alternative views and reviews to help government move in the right direction.” Among those named to the shadow cabinet are Nana Kazaure (Information), Riwang Pam (Security), Nike Omola (Women and Gender Development), and Peter Agada (Infrastructure). The group is expected to monitor government policy across sectors and propose reforms grounded in research, data, and public interest. Utomi criticized Nigeria’s current governance model, lamenting a lack of political will and coherent national strategy. He pointed to the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project as an example of flawed, unilateral policymaking. “We need to stop doing government by impulse,” he said. “The agricultural sector can’t thrive on hoes and cutlasses. We must embrace technology and strategy.” He also called for urgent reform of Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly the decentralization of policing through state police systems. DSS Moves to Block Shadow Government Utomi’s initiative has not gone unnoticed by the authorities. In May, Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) filed a suit at the Federal High Court seeking to declare the shadow cabinet unconstitutional and to restrain Utomi from making public statements or organizing rallies. According to court filings, the DSS alleged that the Big Tent shadow cabinet could incite discontent similar to the 2020 #EndSARS protests and warned of potential public disorder if not curtailed. Utomi, who was abroad at the time but returned to Nigeria in early June, has rejected the accusations and decried what he describes as state efforts to silence dissent. “You cannot build a democracy by criminalizing opposition,” he said, hinting that if the pressure continues, he may be forced to consider leaving the country. Despite legal and political challenges, Utomi insists the shadow cabinet will continue its work of holding the government accountable and offering Nigerians a credible alternative through the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as a coalition vehicle for national transformation. “We’re not here to undermine the government. We’re here to strengthen democracy and ensure the people’s voices are heard,” he said.

DSS Moves to Block Pat Utomi’s Shadow Government Rallies Cites Threat to National Security

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a fresh legal bid at the Federal High Court in Abuja to restrain Professor Pat Utomi from launching rallies and public events in support of his proposed “shadow government.” In a motion filed on Wednesday, the DSS described Utomi’s actions as a threat to national security and accused him of trying to destabilise the country under the guise of free speech and democratic expression. According to intelligence cited in the application, Utomi—currently outside Nigeria—is planning to return on June 6 to hold roadshows and media engagements promoting the shadow cabinet idea. The DSS warned that such activities are capable of inciting public unrest and undermining the authority of the legitimate government. It urged the court to grant an interlocutory injunction to stop Utomi and his associates from holding any rallies, media events, or public discourse related to the controversial plan until the pending suit is determined. The DSS is seeking a legal declaration that Utomi’s shadow government initiative, which it deems unconstitutional, poses a significant threat to public peace. In its affidavit, the agency likened Utomi’s mobilization efforts to the events that triggered the 2020 End SARS protests, warning that a similar scenario could erupt if not urgently contained. The security agency insisted that it is acting within its constitutional duty to preserve internal stability and protect Nigeria from potential chaos. The controversy stems from a pending case—FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025—already filed by the DSS, which argues that Utomi’s shadow cabinet plan amounts to an attempted usurpation of governmental authority. The agency highlighted a May 26 lecture in which Utomi defended the legitimacy of a shadow government, suggesting that his group would merely rename the initiative if barred by the court. Justice James Omotosho has fixed June 25 for hearing the substantive case.