- Names Dele Farotimi, Magoro, Others Members
By Abiola Olawale
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reacted to a recent initiative by prominent economist and political activist, Prof. Pat Utomi, who inaugurated a shadow government aimed at challenging the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
This is as the government described the move as an “aberration” in a federal system.
Recall that on Monday, Utomi launched the “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government,” a coalition comprising members from various opposition groups and civil societies.
According to Utomi, the shadow government is designed to serve as a credible opposition force, spotlighting the perceived failures of the Tinubu administration while proposing alternative governance strategies.
Utomi justified the initiative, citing whatche called policy missteps that have exacerbated poverty, driven multinational companies out of Nigeria, and worsened insecurity, particularly in Benue and Plateau states.
He stated: “The recent spate of defections to the All Progressives Congress provides further evidence that all is not well with democracy in Nigeria.
“The imperative is that if a genuine opposition does not courageously identify the performance failures of incumbents, offer options, and influence culture in a counter direction, it will be complicit in subverting the will of the people.
“Today, I bring to this pioneer body the desperate cries of a people troubled by how their reality seems bound for serfdom. I challenge you to awaken these people who wrongly believe that everything is fine as long as they can manage a share of what little still trickles down from crude oil sales.”
Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi was named head of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio.
Others appointed to the policy delivery unit include Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga.
Other members of the shadow team include Dr Adefolusade Adebayo, Dr Peter Agadah, Dr Sadiq Gombe, Chibuzor Nwachukwu, Salvation Alibor, Bilkisu Magoro, Dr Victor Tubo, Charles Odibo, Dr Otive Igbuzor, Eunice Atuejide, Gbenga Ajayi, and Dr Mani Ahmad, as well as Peter Oyewole and Dr Omano Edigheji.
The Federal Government wasted no time in condemning Utomi’s shadow government, labelling it as an unacceptable move within Nigeria’s federal framework. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, argued that such an initiative undermines the legitimacy of the elected government and could destabilize the political landscape.
He asserted: “At a time when our nation is set to celebrate 26 unbroken years of presidential democracy, the idea of a so-called “shadow government” is an aberration.
“Nigeria is not a parliamentary system where such a system is practised, and there is no provision for such in our statute books.
“While opposition politics is a central feature of democracy, it must be practised at all times within the bounds of propriety.
“This idea of a shadow government sadly does not pass that test. Our bicameral legislature amply features members of the opposition, and it should be the right place to contest meaningful ideas for nation-building.”
