Professor Pat Utomi, a renowned political economist and former presidential candidate, says a growing number of Nigerians are rallying behind him as he faces legal action from the Department of State Services (DSS) over his proposed formation of a “shadow government.”
In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Utomi expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.
“It’s energising (that) some want to put together 500 lawyers to defend me against the DSS,” he wrote.
The DSS recently filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging that Utomi’s move to establish a shadow cabinet was an attempt to subvert Nigeria’s constitutional order.
The security agency described the initiative as an “attack on the Constitution” and a direct threat to the democratic government currently in place.
Utomi, who ran for president under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2007, is named as the sole defendant in the case, which was filed on May 13 by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Akinlolu Kehinde.
The agency claims Utomi’s actions were designed to “create chaos and destabilise the country,” asserting that the concept of a shadow government was “not only an aberration but also constituted a grave attack on the Constitution.”
In response to the legal move, Utomi reiterated his appreciation for the solidarity he’s received.
“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. I want to thank all,” he said.
Meanwhile, the proposal has sparked a range of reactions across the country.
Among the critics is activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who dismissed the idea as symbolic and ineffective in addressing Nigeria’s urgent problems.
Speaking on Inside Sources on Channels TV, Sowore questioned the practicality of Utomi’s move, stating, “Well, how do you replace a shadow government with another set of shadowy governments? I would not begrudge anybody who thinks of solutions that can bring awareness to the people.”
He added, “But I do not think that setting up a government with names of people who call themselves a shadow government makes any difference.”
