Federal High Court Declares Pat Utomi’s “Shadow Government” Plan Illegal
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the plan by former presidential candidate Professor Pat Utomi and his associates to establish a “Shadow Government” or “Shadow Cabinet” in Nigeria is illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional.
Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment delivered on Monday, issued an order permanently restraining Utomi and his group from proceeding with the plan.
The ruling came on a suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) against the former presidential candidate.
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Justice Omotosho declared that the concept of a shadow government or cabinet is an alien concept to Nigeria’s existing presidential system of government and therefore unconstitutional.
The judge held that Utomi and his associates cannot hide under the constitutional rights to association and freedom of expression to engage in activities deemed unlawful or capable of threatening the nation’s internal security.
Justice Omotosho commended the DSS for filing the suit, affirming that the security agency acted within its rights to take steps to prevent acts capable of threatening national security.
By PRNigeria
