Professor Pat Utomi, a well-known economist and political activist, has responded strongly to a court case brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS). The case is linked to his recent move to create a shadow government in Nigeria.
Utomi recently launched the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government, which includes members from different opposition parties. According to him, the goal of this group is to speak up against the current government led by President Bola Tinubu. They want to keep an eye on government actions, expose failures, and suggest better ideas in areas like the economy, health, education, policing, and the constitution.
In response, the DSS has taken legal action against Utomi. They accuse him of trying to take power unlawfully and possibly cause problems for the country’s peace and stability.
Utomi, however, is standing firm. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he rejected the DSS’s claims. He said he still believes in democracy and thanked the many Nigerians who have shown him support. He also mentioned that about 500 lawyers are getting ready to defend him in court.
“I am heartened by messages of solidarity from across Nigeria on this shadowy business of chasing shadows of shadow cabinets,” he wrote. “It’s energizing that some want to put together 500 lawyers to defend me against the DSS.”
He criticized how some parts of the constitution are applied unfairly. For example, he pointed out that politicians who leave the parties they were elected under face no punishment, which he sees as wrong.
“If DSS enjoys going to court, it should prosecute such violations of the constitution,” he added.
“To worship money and power at the expense of the future all our children will live in, with no care for peace and progress, is condemnable by all with a decent conscience,” he stated. “They have a moral obligation to push back on such darkness.”
Utomi also shared memories of his past activism. He talked about leading a democracy event in Lagos during the military rule of Sani Abacha. This event was organized by the Catholic Secretariat, with support from Father Matthew Kukah.
Utomi revealed that he plans to return to Nigeria on June 12, a day that symbolizes Nigeria’s fight for democracy. He also plans to visit the home of the late MKO Abiola, a key figure in that struggle. He said clearly that he’s ready to be arrested or even die if that’s what it takes for justice.
In a bold statement, he reminded President Tinubu that no leader is above death. Utomi also compared his stand to that of global heroes like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Saint Thomas More, saying he will keep fighting for justice, truth, and accountability in Nigeria.
“If DSS enjoys going to court, it should prosecute such violations of the constitution,” he added.
