Utomi said the DSS lawsuit against him over the shadow government and ‘cowardly action’

Economist and Public Affairs Analyst, Professor Pat Utomi, has greatly criticized the federal government for what he described as an effort to suppress differences of opinion and civil freedom, following the lawsuit filed by it by the State Service Department (DSS).

DSS, in a lawsuit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accused Utomi of trying to damage the administration of President Tinubu by creating a “shadow government.”

This is a parallel structure of governance that is allegedly able to seize executive power.

The lawsuit, registered as FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, argued that Utomi’s actions were a threat to Nigerian constitutional democracy and national security. This illustrates the initiative as illegal and not recognized based on Nigerian law, looking for a court declaration that made the shadow cabinet canceled and canceled, and the eternal order to stop its activities.

In response, Utomi, in a post on his official social media page on Friday, condemned the move as “cowardly” and “betrayal of the Nigerian constitution.” He urged residents from all regions in the country to reject what he saw as an erosion of democratic principles.

Also read: ‘The Nigerian government uses fake DSS witnesses for Kanu prisoners’, IPOB claims

“To withstand freedom of expression and disturbing civilized disputes is cowardly and dangerous,” Utomi said. “What can not be understood by many people is how we reach this point – but we get here, patriot throughout Nigeria must rise to reject it.”

DSS, represented by a legal team led by Senior Nigeria (SAN) Akinlolu Keminde, stated that Utomi’s initiative was a “big attack” on the elected government authority. The shadow cabinet reportedly includes key roles such as the Ombudsman for good governance, policy delivery units, and economic advisory councils. The important numbers involved include Dele Farotimi, Cheta Nwanze, and Halima Ahmed.

The agency claims the initiative can incite unrest, worsen ethnic tensions, and a brave separatist agenda. Citing relevant provisions from the 1999 Constitution, DSS argues that governance can only be done through democratic means that has been entered.

In a written statement, DSS stated that the intelligence report confirmed the existence of “clear and present dangers” derived from Utomi’s actions. The agency added that the previous effort to involve and prevent it, including through the Minister of Information, was unsuccessful.

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