Professor Pat Utomi, a renowned political economist, has condemned the suppression of free speech under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, calling it “an act of cowardice.”;;
Utomi made this statement onFriday,in response to a lawsuit filed against him by the Department of State Services, DSS.
The agency lodged the suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing Utomi of attempting to undermine the executive authority of President Tinubu by establishing what it described as a “shadow government.”;;
The case, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, claims that Utomi’s actions pose a threat to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and national security.
In a post shared on social media, Utomi stated, “To stifle freedom of expression and bully civilized expression of difference is an act of cowardice and treachery to the constitution of Nigeria. What many people cannot figure out is how we got here. However we did, patriots from the six zones of Nigeria must rise to reject this.”;;
Represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Akinlolu Kehinde, the DSS argued that Utomi’s initiative constitutes a serious breach of the Constitution and undermines the authority of the democratically elected government. The agency described the so-called shadow cabinet as an unregistered and unauthorized entity attempting to replicate executive functions.
According to the DSS, the structure includes a portfolio for Ombudsman and Good Governance led by Dele Farotimi; a Policy Delivery Unit comprising Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga; and a Council of Economic Advisers.
The DSS warned that such a formation could spark political instability, heighten inter group tensions, and encourage separatist movements. It cited Sections 1(1), 1(2), and 14(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution to emphasize that only bodies established through lawful, democratic means are recognized under Nigerian law.
The agency is seeking a court declaration that Utomi’s shadow cabinet is unconstitutional, null, and void and a perpetual injunction to prevent him and his associates from establishing or operating any such parallel governance structure.
In an affidavit, the Department of State Services, DSS, maintained that intelligence reports indicate Professor Pat Utomi’s actions present a “clear and present danger”;; to national stability. The agency also stated that efforts by the government, including interventions by the Minister of Information, to discourage Utomi had been ignored.
Meanwhile, former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore addressed the issue during an appearance onInside Sources, a programme on Channels Television.
Although he criticized the shadow government initiative as lacking impact, he expressed support for any effort that draws attention to Nigeria’s socio-political issues.
“How do you replace a shadow government with another set of shadowy figures?”;; Sowore questioned. He added, “I won’t fault anyone trying to offer solutions that raise public awareness but I don’t believe creating a so-called shadow government with a list of self-appointed individuals makes any real impact.”;;
As of now, no date has been set for the hearing of the case.
