By Bukola Kayode
The former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Professor Pat Utomi has reacted to his being sued by the Department of State Services (DSS), over his plans to set up a shadow government.
Utomi in a series of tweets on his @Pat Utomi X handle said he will not be backing down. The renowned academic and investor described the planned shadow government as a moral obligation he must keep, adding the shadow governments run by the opposition is recognised in a democracy.
He wrote: “To back away from shadowing the government to keep it accountable is betrayal of a moral obligation. The Big Tent shadow team will have to pursue this citizens duty with diligence and the highest ethical consideration. More importantly, the compass must lead to the common good.
“In the quest for the common good it is usual that scoundrels will turn to insults, lies, threats, and ad hominem jibes away from issues. I have counseled that all in the Big Tent Shadow team focus on issues and ignore suggestions of motives, personal frustrations etc they haul.
“What privilege to have learnt from the man for all seasons,Thomas Moore. Disciplined commitment to truth in service of society, no matter the personal cost ultimately elevates. At a time when fear has gripped Nigerians not sure who to worry about, Abuja or bandits we need courage”.
The secret police had dragged Utomi to court, accusing him of attempting to illegally usurp President Bola Tinubu’s executive powers by setting up a shadow government.
In the suit with file number FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the DSS alleged that Utomi’s actions posed a threat to national security and constitutional order.
Utomi was named as the sole defendant in the suit.
Read also: https://frontlinenews.com.ng/dss-sues-pat-utomi-over-shadow-government/
The suit, which was filed through a team of lawyers led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), on Wednesday, claimed Utomi was attempting to illegally usurp the executive powers of the President.
According to the suit, the planned shadow government or shadow cabinet is an unregistered and unrecognised body claiming to operate as an alternative government. contrary to the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The DSS, in its contentions, stated that Utomi, through public statements, social media, and other platforms, announced the formation of the body with the intent to challenge the legitimacy of the democratically elected government of Nigeria.
The secret police added that while he was inaugurating the ‘shadow cabinet’, Utomi stated that it is made up of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio to be manned by Dele Farotimi; the policy Delivery Unit team consisting of Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo and Obi Ajuga; and the council of economic advisers.
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