The recent initiative by former presidential candidate Prof. Patrick Utomi to establish a shadow government in Nigeria has ignited diverse reactions nationwide.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Adeboro Adamson, praised the Department of State Services (DSS) for its response, applauding the agency for challenging the legality of Utomi’s move through appropriate legal channels. Appearing on Arise TV on Sunday, Adamson emphasized the agency’s constitutional role. “DSS has a mandate, which includes the detection and prevention of subversion, terrorism, espionage, and others. If one of its mandates is to prevent subversion, how do we situate the statement of the erudite professor that he has assembled people who will man what he tagged a shadow cabinet?” he questioned.
He further noted that the DSS’s approach in pursuing a civil lawsuit rather than a criminal indictment was commendable, describing it as a “civilized way of doing things” and allowing the judiciary to determine the legality of Utomi’s initiative.
Omokri: ‘Shadow Government is Treason’
In stark contrast, former presidential aide Reno Omokri denounced the shadow government concept, labeling it as treasonous. He argued that Nigeria’s presidential system does not permit such structures.
“Forming a shadow government under a presidential system of government is treason. You cannot try it because the Nigerian Constitution frowns at it,” Omokri asserted, referencing Section 1 (2) of the Constitution, which states, “The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any persons or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.”
He also pointed out that Utomi, who once served under President Shehu Shagari, should be aware that presidential systems do not provide room for shadow governments.
Prof. Utomi had recently unveiled the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government, calling it a “national emergency response” designed to monitor official activities, highlight deficiencies, and offer alternative solutions in vital sectors.
However, the DSS has classified the initiative as potentially subversive and has initiated legal proceedings to assess its constitutionality.
