Pat Utomi Unveils Shadow Government With Dele Farotimi In Key Role.
Renowned economist and political advocate Professor Pat Utomi has announced the formation of a shadow government, appointing human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi to head the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio. The initiative, launched under the Big Tent Coalition during a virtual event on Monday, aims to serve as a policy think tank and watchdog for Nigeria’s current administration.
The shadow cabinet comprises a diverse group of professionals and opposition figures, including Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga in the policy delivery unit. Other members include Dr. Adefolusade Adebayo, Dr. Peter Agadah, Dr. Sadiq Gombe, Chibuzor Nwachukwu, Salvation Alibor, Bilkisu Magoro, Dr. Victor Tubo, Charles Odibo, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Eunice Atuejide, Gbenga Ajayi, Dr. Mani Ahmad, Peter Oyewole, and Dr. Omano Edigheji, among others.
Utomi, a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s government, said the shadow government would meet weekly to review policies, propose alternatives, and advocate for reforms in critical sectors such as the economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, law and order, and constitutional restructuring. He highlighted the need to address worsening economic and security conditions, rising poverty, business closures, and unemployment.
“This shadow team must tackle issues of ethics, transparency, and integrity, which continue to challenge this government,” Utomi stated. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using propaganda to stifle debate, likening their approach to “fascist conditions.” Utomi also criticised the handling of the petroleum subsidy removal, arguing it caused structural damage to the economy.
Among the group’s priorities are stimulating local production, decentralising security through community and state policing, and promoting inclusive governance. “Policing is a local function,” Utomi said, advocating for well-trained, community-based police forces alongside a Federal National Guard.
The Federal Government swiftly dismissed the initiative, with Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris calling it unconstitutional and unsuitable for Nigeria’s presidential system. “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,” Idris said. He urged opposition groups to operate “within the bounds of propriety.”
Undeterred, Utomi defended the shadow government’s legitimacy, encouraging his team to focus on integrity and transparency. “Don’t worry if they steal your ideas—the gain is for Nigeria,” he said, emphasising the group’s commitment to serving the people and enabling their pursuit of happiness.
The formation of the shadow government has sparked debate about the role of opposition in Nigeria’s democracy, with Utomi’s coalition poised to challenge the status quo and push for transformative reforms.
