Professor Pat Utomi, a former presidential candidate, has hinted he may leave Nigeria amid alleged attempts to silence him. On 5th May, Utomi launched the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government online, aiming to act as a “credible opposition” to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
A shadow government is an alternative political structure that monitors and criticises the ruling government, similar to systems in countries like the United Kingdom.
However, the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria’s secret police, filed a lawsuit at the federal high court in Abuja, seeking to declare the shadow government “unconstitutional” and to prevent Utomi from making public comments or organising rallies to promote it.
The DSS claimed Utomi, currently abroad and due back on 6th June, plans to “stage road shows and rallies under the guise of freedom of speech and association in a bid to cause public discontent.” They warned such actions could cause “riots and violent protests” akin to the 2020 ‘End SARS’ demonstrations, potentially leading to chaos and loss of lives.
In an interview, Utomi expressed frustration, saying, “I’m getting fed up with all of this. If they are ready to shut my voice, I am ready to go to Ghana or anywhere else and live peacefully.”
He added he plans to retire next year but wants to “inspire the next generation to be free and make progress.”
Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and other lawyers have filed a defence on Utomi’s behalf in response to the lawsuit.