By Abiola Olawale
Prominent economist and frontline political activist Prof. Pat Utomi has vowed to meet the Department of State Services (DSS) in court after the security agency dragged him to court over the establishment of what it called a “shadow government.”
Utomi, who expressed gratitude for the overwhelming solidarity from Nigerians, noted that some individuals out of sheer goodwill have already mobilised 500 lawyers to defend him.
This is coming on the heels of reports that the DSS had dragged Utomi to the Federal High Court in Abuja after he announced plans to form a shadow government, a move the agency claims undermines national security.
However, Utomi, a vocal critic of the current administration, has dismissed the allegations as baseless, accusing the DSS of attempting to silent dissenting views and opposition voices.
In a statement shared on X, he said he is being galvanised by a show of support from across Nigeria.
He wrote: “I am heartened by messages of solidarity from across Nigeria on this shadowy business of chasing shadows of shadow cabinets. Reminds me of the Nigeria I used to know.
“I want to thank all. It’s energizing some want to put together 500 lawyers to defend me against the DSS.”
“It’s amazing that we are chasing shadows while our constitution is unravelling, aided by those in power. The constitution holds that those who defect from parties they were elected from MUST have their seats declared vacant. If DSS enjoys going to court, it should prosecute such.”
