FG Kicks As Pat Utomi Creates A Shadow Government

Pat Utomi, a political economy professor, has revealed the establishment of a shadow government under the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government, launched virtually on Monday, May 5. The initiative aims to function as a structured opposition to the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

A shadow government, commonly seen in parliamentary systems, replicates the structure of the ruling government, providing oversight, proposing alternative policies, and serving as a platform for opposition voices. Utomi called this iteration a “national emergency response” to the policies and governance of the Tinubu administration.

Utomi explained that the group comprises members from various opposition parties and seeks to thoroughly assess government actions, identify policy deficiencies, and propose alternative strategies across critical sectors like the economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, law and order, and constitutional reform.

“The recent spate of defections to the All Progressives Congress provides further evidence that all is not well with democracy in Nigeria,” Utomi stated. He stressed the importance of a credible opposition to highlight governance shortcomings and influence national discourse.

He also criticized the government’s approach to removing the petroleum subsidy, accusing it of disguising inadequate planning as political consensus.

“This shadow team must also address issues of ethics, transparency, and integrity, which continue to challenge this government at every turn,” he added. The shadow cabinet will reportedly convene weekly to evaluate public policy and recommend reforms.

Notable members of the shadow government include Dele Farotimi, a human rights advocate, who will head the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio. Others in the policy delivery unit include Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga. Additional members are Adefolusade Adebayo, Peter Agadah, Sadiq Gombe, Chibuzor Nwachukwu, Salvation Alibor, Bilkisu Magoro, Victor Tubo, Charles Odibo, Otive Igbuzor, Eunice Atuejide, Gbenga Ajayi, Mani Ahmad, Peter Oyewole, and Omano Edigheji.

Further members announced include Sidi Ali, Ibrahim Abdukarim, Adenike Oriola, Promise Adewusi, Ukachukwu Awuzie, Ambrose Obimma, Rwang Pam, Dr Kingsley Anedo, Auwal Aliyu, Ghazali Ado, Nana Kazaure, Aisha Yusuf, Dr Charles Gilbert, and Olujimi Akiboh.

In response to the announcement, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, labeled the initiative as unsuitable for Nigeria’s federal framework.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli