₦airaland Forum

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, barred Prof. Pat Utomi from establishing “a shadow government” in the country, describing the move as “unconstitutional and void.”

Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, upheld the arguments of the State Security Service, SSS, that Utomi’s action portends danger to the peace and security of Nigeria.

Justice Omotosho said he had perused the country’s constitution and there was no part that supports the formation of a shadow or parallel government.

Citing Section 1(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, the judge said the constitution is supreme and binding on all citizens irrespective of political divides.

“The Nigerian constitution makes me room for shadow government.

“Therefore, any participation in any government which is unknown to law will be struck down by this court

“I hereby declared the formation as void,” the judge ruled.

The judge also affirmed the jurisdictional power of the court to entertain the matter.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the court, in dealing with the novel issues of “shadow government,” had invited some eminent legal experts for their professional inputs.

Justice Omotosho had, on July 10, fixed today for the judgment in the DSS’ suit against Utomi, a Professor of Political Economy and Management Expert.

The judge fixed the date after DSS’ counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN; Utomi’s lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and the seven invited amici curiae (friends of the court) made their submissions for and against the suit.

Ogbuefienubiaka:
DSS is now chasing shadows. This how jobless they are

iichidodo:
[color=#1986BC] Forming shadow governments is an exercise of the opposition in a healthy democratic setting to keep the government of the day in check and ultimately guide their steps in formulating policies for the people. You can find shadow govts in the UK, Australia,New Zealand etc ....So why is Tinubu afraid of Shadow govts?.[/color]

RevenuesBoost:
If the government is doing well, the wouldn't be scared of anyone forming a shadow government.

TheGift:
Did the DSS even understand what Pat Utomi.was trying to do before running to the courts? Does the Judge even understand the matter that he is judging? What was the argument of the defence? Or was it an Ex-Parte motion?

iichidodo:
[color=#1986BC] Forming shadow governments is an exercise of the opposition in a healthy democratic setting to keep the government of the day in check and ultimately guide their steps in formulating policies for the people. You can find shadow govts in the UK, Australia,New Zealand etc ....So why is Tinubu afraid of Shadow govts?.[/color]

Mrexcell:
Apc are just chasing shadows the shadow govt utomi planned to form is not even a real govt that will challenge the powers and authority of the ruling apc govt but just a fictional govt that will be holding this corrupt apc govt accountable when they go astray.

Ogbuefienubiaka:
DSS is now chasing shadows. This how jobless they are

Nickisindigo:
shadow government are done in a parliamentary system of government

fiercehillz:
Shadow Government is unconstitutional... Yes

A strong, reasonable and purposeful opposition is what we really need.

Ogbuefienubiaka:
DSS is now chasing shadows. This how jobless they are

iichidodo:
[color=#1986BC] Forming shadow governments is an exercise of the opposition in a healthy democratic setting to keep the government of the day in check and ultimately guide their steps in formulating policies for the people. You can find shadow govts in the UK, Australia,New Zealand etc ....So why is Tinubu afraid of Shadow govts?.[/color]