Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has declared Prof. Pat Utomi’s shadow government plan illegal and unconstitutional, backing the DSS’s case
Court Stops Pat Utomi’s Shadow Government Plan, Declares It Illegal
The Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the plan by former presidential candidate, Prof. Pat Utomi, to establish a shadow government in Nigeria as illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional.
Justice James Omotosho, delivering judgment on Monday in a suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), issued an order restraining Utomi and his associates from proceeding with the controversial plan.
The court ruled that the concept of a shadow government or cabinet is “alien to Nigeria’s presidential system” and cannot be justified under the rights of association or freedom to criticise government.
“Utomi and his associates cannot hide under the rights of association and to criticise the government to engage in unlawful activities,” Justice Omotosho stated.
The judge further commended the DSS for approaching the court to prevent what he described as actions capable of undermining the nation’s internal security. He maintained that the secret service acted within its mandate to protect national stability. The ruling effectively halts Utomi’s proposed political experiment, which had been generating heated debate in policy and political circles across the country. Read More
