The Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, and his associates from going ahead with their plan to establish a shadow government or cabinet in Nigeria.
Delivering judgment in a suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), Justice James Omotosho declared the idea of a shadow government unconstitutional and incompatible with the country’s presidential system of governance.
The court held that while citizens have the right to association and to criticise government policies, such freedoms cannot be used as a cover to embark on activities deemed unlawful or capable of destabilising the nation.
Justice Omotosho further commended the DSS for approaching the court, affirming that it was within the agency’s mandate to forestall actions that could threaten national peace and internal security.
