The federal high court in Abuja, on Monday morning, September 29, barred Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy and management expert, from setting up ‘a shadow government’ in Nigeria.
As reported by Vanguard Newspaper, the federal high court described the move as “unconstitutional and void.”
Arise News also noted the update.
Court stops Pat Utomi’s plan
Prof. Utomi is a strong ally of Peter Obi, a presidential hopeful and Labour Party (LP) chieftain.
Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, upheld the arguments of the Department of State Services (DSS) that Utomi’s action portends danger to the peace and security of Nigeria.
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Justice Omotosho said he had perused the country’s constitution and there was no part that supports the formation of a shadow or parallel government.
Citing Section 1(1) and (2) of the 1999 constitution, the judge said the law is supreme and binding on all citizens irrespective of political divides.
The judge ruled:
“The Nigerian constitution makes me room for shadow government.
“Therefore, any participation in any government which is unknown to law will be struck down by this court.
“I hereby declared the formation as void.”
Furthermore, the judge affirmed the jurisdictional power of the court to entertain the matter.
Legit.ng reports that the court, in dealing with the novel issues of “shadow government,” had invited some eminent legal experts for their professional inputs.
Justice Omotosho had, on Thursday, July 10, fixed today, Monday, September 29, for the judgment in the DSS’ suit against Prof. Utomi.
The judge fixed the date after DSS’ counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN); Utomi’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), and the seven invited friends of the court made their submissions for and against the suit.
A video of the aftermath of the judgment can be seen below:
Utomi not interested in overthrowing Tinubu
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Utomi clarified that the announced shadow government initiative is not an attempt to undermine or overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Rather, he described it as a legitimate civic effort to promote democratic accountability and policy innovation.
Utomi explained that “shadow cabinets are a recognised democratic practice around the world, and Nigeria must embrace institutions that encourage performance and transparency.”