Professor Pat Utomi, convener of the “shadow government” and a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) says he is ready to face handcuffs and death from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the regime of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and that the initiative was to push the lofty ideals nationalists like Chief Obafemi Awolowo had for Nigeria.
Utomi’s comment followed the legal action initiated against him this week by the DSS.
On May 5, Utomi launched the “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government,” with the objective of serving as a credible opposition to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
The shadow government, which the Professor and 2007 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Party (ADP) described as a “national emergency response” to the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is composed of various professionals and public figures.
However, the Nigerian government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have expressed opposition to the move, with the DSS filing a suit against Utomi over the initiative on May 14.
The coalition reportedly aims to constructively criticise the current government’s policies in every sector and propose alternative governance ideas.
However, the lawsuit filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Akinlolu Kehinde, on behalf of the DSS, alleged that Utomi’s actions are intended to stoke chaos and destabilise the country.
He played a video clip on his X handle showing Awolowo making recommendations for the country’s development.
Reacting to the official steps being taken against the move, Utomi, in a post on his Twitter X page on Friday, wrote:
“I am heartened by messages of solidarity from across Nigeria on this shadowy business of chasing shadows of shadow cabinets. Reminds me of the Nigeria I used to know,” he wrote.
“I want to thank all. It’s energizing some want to put together 500 lawyers to defend me against the DSS.”
“It was put as a question: Is this how democracy dies in Nigeria? The answer is in the affirmative. This is how democracy died in Nigeria. Where citizens cannot organize themselves to ask questions of their agents,” he wrote.
“Under Abacha, we brought Nigerians together at St. Leo in Ikeja for a conference on the future of Nigeria.
“I chaired the planning which came out of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria on the watch of then Fr. Kukah and Ehusani. Now for shadowing democracy, hell comes.”
The economist added that he would not go into hiding.
“Where am I? Will arrive on June 12 and head to Abiola’s residence. My hands are primed for handcuffs and if the Aquino treatment from Marcos, bullet at the airport is preferred, I submit willing like a lamb led to slaughter.”
Utomi advised the DSS to stop wasting time on minor issues and focus on serious cases that breach the law: “It’s amazing that we are chasing shadows while our constitution is unraveling, aided by those in power.
“The constitution holds that those who defect from parties they were elected from MUST have their seats declared vacant.
“If DSS enjoys going to court, it should prosecute such.”
He further clarified that the shadow government team only aims to educate citizens about good governance and hold the government to account, adding that such action is needed now more than ever because many politicians are breaking the law and ignoring the constitution.
“I first suggested a shadow group as a means of deepening our democracy about 14 years ago.
“The Big Tent Shadow team has never been more needed in Nigerian history.
“With the political class violating the constitution with impunity as they cross carpets into APC in pursuit of freedom from prosecution from crimes against the people the imperative of a true opposition rose.”
