Professor Pat Utomi, a prominent political economist, has announced the formation of a shadow cabinet aimed at offering policy alternatives to the Nigerian federal government. This initiative was unveiled in Abuja following a two-day retreat of ‘The Big Tent’, where Utomi introduced key members of the cabinet, including Nana Kazaure (Information), Riwang Pam (Security), Nike Omola (Women and Gender Development), and Peter Agada (Infrastructure).
Utomi clarified that the shadow cabinet does not intend to rival the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) but rather to present expert analyses and reviews of government policies. He emphasized the necessity of alternative perspectives, stating, “The progress of any government is to ensure the welfare of the people.” He further articulated the vital role of the legislature in maintaining checks and balances, cautioning against legislators becoming mere extensions of the executive branch.
Reflecting on his past, Utomi recounted that he initially proposed the concept of a shadow cabinet to the late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007 but declined an offer to join his administration. He criticized Nigeria’s political landscape, arguing it lacks the necessary will and strategic vision for authentic development, using the coastal highway project as a case study of unilateral policymaking.
Utomi also addressed key national issues, advocating for significant reforms in agriculture, which he believes should transition beyond traditional farming methods. He underscored the urgency of tackling insecurity and called for the establishment of state police to enhance security measures across the nation.
Discussing the African Democratic Congress (ADC), he labeled its emergence as a coalition party a credible alternative for Nigerians seeking change. “The coalition is a work in progress, using value-driven projects to move the country forward,” he stated.
On May 5, Utomi had previously announced the shadow government under the Big Tent Coalition, positioning it as a genuine opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration. However, this move has drawn scrutiny, as the Department of State Services (DSS) filed a lawsuit at the federal high court seeking to declare Utomi’s shadow cabinet unconstitutional and to prevent him from making public statements or organizing rallies.
The DSS alleged that Utomi, who returned to Nigeria on June 6 after a trip abroad, intended to incite public discontent through road shows under the guise of free speech, raising fears of unrest similar to the 2020 #EndSARS protests. In response to the DSS’s actions, Utomi expressed frustration, hinting that he might consider leaving the country due to ongoing efforts to stifle his voice.