AfriPulse
September 29, (THEWILL) — The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday restrained political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, from establishing what he described as a “shadow government” in Nigeria.
Justice James Omotosho, in his ruling on an application filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), barred Utomi, “his agents, privies, associates, servants, workers or any person acting through him” from pursuing the plan.
The DSS had approached the court in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, arguing that the proposed shadow government posed “a serious threat to public order, safety, and national unity.”
The agency recalled that Utomi, while delivering a lecture on May 26 during the fourth edition of the Topaz Lecture Series organised by the University of Lagos Mass Communication Class of 1988 Alumni Association, had defended the idea of forming a shadow government.
In his decision, Justice Omotosho affirmed the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the case and held that Utomi’s move was unconstitutional.
“No section of the 1999 Constitution supports the formation of a shadow or parallel government,” the judge ruled, citing Sections 1(1) and (2) of the constitution.
He added, “The Nigerian constitution makes no room for shadow government. Therefore, any participation in any government which is unknown to law will be struck down by this court. I hereby declare the formation as void.”
The ruling reinforces the supremacy of the constitution, which Justice Omotosho stressed remains binding on all citizens irrespective of political persuasion.
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Source: TheWillNigeria | Read the Full Story…
