Prominent economist and political activist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has inaugurated a shadow government composed of members from various opposition parties.
According to Utomi, the “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government,” launched virtually on Monday evening, will function as a credible opposition force, highlighting the failures of the Bola Tinubu administration while offering ideas for better governance.
But in a swift reaction, the Federal Government kicked against the move, describing it as an aberration in a federal system of government.
In an interview with The PUNCH, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said, “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.
“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.”
Utomi, however, justified the move, arguing that policy missteps by the current Federal Government had worsened poverty, driven multinational companies out of the country, and intensified terrorism in Benue and Plateau states, alongside rising insecurity and corruption nationwide.
The don expressed concern over what he described as the government’s resort to propaganda and the suppression of opposing views.
“The recent spate of defections to the All Progressives Congress provides further evidence that all is not well with democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
“The imperative is that if a genuine opposition does not courageously identify the performance failures of incumbents, offer options, and influence culture in a counter direction, it will be complicit in subverting the will of the people.”
He said the shadow cabinet—made up of figures drawn from several opposition parties—was created to respond to what he called a national emergency.
“Today, I bring to this pioneer body the desperate cries of a people troubled by how their reality seems bound for serfdom. I challenge you to awaken these people who wrongly believe that everything is fine as long as they can manage a share of what little still trickles down from crude oil sales,” Utomi said.
Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, was named head of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio.
Others appointed to the policy delivery unit include Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga.
Other members of the shadow cabinet 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, and Dr. Mani Ahmad, as well as Peter Oyewole and Dr. Omano Edigheji.
Utomi stated that the shadow government would hold weekly cabinet meetings to assess government policies and propose practical alternatives.
He identified immediate priorities as the stimulation of production, the formulation of a coherent economic growth strategy, decentralisation of security, and constitutional reform.
The cabinet, he said, would also focus on providing alternatives in healthcare, education, infrastructure development, law and order, and policy monitoring.
“This shadow team must also address issues of ethics, transparency, and integrity, which continue to challenge this government at every turn,” Utomi said.
“Nothing is more urgent than tackling the rising poverty across the country. Multinationals are shutting down, and millions are unemployed. Just two recent company exits illustrate how poorly thought-out policies have tanked the economy.”
He criticised the ruling party’s alleged reliance on propaganda, comparing it to fascist tactics meant to stifle critical debate.
“The resort to propaganda as a tool of governing, by the party in power, makes rational discussion of the decisions of the APC government difficult, moving us more towards fascist conditions. Like Joseph Goebbels inoculated Germans to Hitler’s deadly path, a massive shower of propaganda insults seeks to prevent patriots from factually critiquing policy choices of the government, and the behaviour of its agents, which can have more negative consequences on our well-being,” he said.
Utomi also addressed the controversial removal of the petroleum subsidy, arguing that the decision was poorly sequenced and executed.
“Making propaganda of most leaders being in agreement on removing the petroleum subsidy was to cover up policy errors of how to remove it without further structural damage to the economy. The sequencing of actions could have produced different outcomes than driving the people into penury,” he said.
He added that economic revival depends heavily on stimulating production through policies that support entrepreneurship and local value chains—an area he claims the current administration fails to grasp.
“Unfortunately, corruption and short-sighted self-interest have prevented sensible policy choice and passionate implementation,” Utomi stated.
“The argument that pain from policies is inevitable is giving a lie by the wasteful use of public resources for executive comfort in Jets, Yachts, and frequent travel. Pain evenly spread breeds consensus that accelerates implementation.”
“The threat to peace and the effect of uncertainty on economic activity make this such an important issue more appropriate for emergency measures than that which led to the unconstitutional ousting of Rivers state Governor Sim Fubara,” he said.
Utomi challenged the shadow cabinet to propose and promote a practical economic growth strategy.
“Don’t worry if they steal your ideas and use them—the gain is for Nigeria,” he said.
On security, he noted that parts of Benue and Plateau states have been deserted due to terrorist attacks, with no visible government strategy in place to address the crisis.
He advocated a decentralised policing structure, arguing that communities should have their own armed and trained forces, complemented by state police and a Federal National Guard.
“Policing for me is a local function. We will travel further if we get the communities to have their own armed and well-trained police forces, which will be layered State police and the Federal National Guard. It appears the corruption ‘benefit’ of centralisation is fanning rationalisation of centralisation,” he said.
He added that the political class appears more focused on positioning for elections than serving the people.
Dapatkan Bukti Slot Gacor dengan Pembayaran Cepat dan Keuntungan Luar Biasa
Clear value proposition.
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
Interesting perspective. It really made me think differently.
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
Ready to cancel my old tool.
very informative articles or reviews at this time.
Your blog has quickly become one of my favorites. Your writing is both insightful and thought-provoking, and I always come away from your posts feeling inspired. Keep up the phenomenal work!
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
Finally, a tool that makes things simpler.
For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
very informative articles or reviews at this time.
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great
naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.
Websitesi Satın al
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
helloI really like your writing so a lot share we keep up a correspondence extra approximately your post on AOL I need an expert in this house to unravel my problem May be that is you Taking a look ahead to see you
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites
Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated
كيس غسيل التكييف في مصر
bokepjapanhot
bokepjapanhot
I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.
bokepjapanhot
bokepjapanhot
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
Levent su kaçağı tespiti Terastaki su kaçağını bulmak için gelen ekip çok profesyoneldi. İzolasyonu koruyarak çalıştılar. Belma F. https://blogmags.co.uk/uskudar-tesisatci
Soğanlık su kaçak tespiti Balkondaki su sızıntısının kaynağını bulmakta zorlanıyorduk. Akustik cihazlarla sorunun kaynağını tespit ettiler. Hatice G. https://www.bosphoruscymbals.com/uskudar-tesisatci/
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.
Love this post! Especially the part about staying consistent—so true.
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
Our dedicated team of tech enthusiasts thoroughly tests and reviews the latest innovations in consumer electronics, smart home devices, and digital accessories. From flagship smartphones and high-performance laptops to budget-friendly alternatives that deliver exceptional value, we cover the entire spectrum of modern technology.
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great
Join our community of curious minds where questions are celebrated and exploration encouraged. Technology should empower, not intimidate, and we’re committed to making digital literacy accessible to everyone—feline friends included (results may vary).Your ultimate gaming destination! Explore a huge collection of free games, from action to puzzles, all ready to play instantly—no downloads required.
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
İmitasyon Saatler
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
very informative articles or reviews at this time.
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.
Makine işleme hizmeti veren bu firma, sektördeki en iyi CNC makinelerine sahip. Gerçekten kaliteli işçilik ve hızlı teslimat.
I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place
I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.
I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
Hay un patrón aquí… pero no diré más.
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.
I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place
I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
akustik su kaçak bulma cihazı Güler yüzlü ekip sayesinde tüm endişelerim ortadan kalktı. https://www.shoprtscigars.com/uskudar-tesisatci-tikali-lavabo-acma/
Alguien: dice algo obvio // Yo: sospecha de todo
먹튀검증사이트 추천
Hocam detaylı bir anlatım olmuş eline sağlık
I just could not leave your web site before suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard information a person supply to your visitors Is gonna be again steadily in order to check up on new posts
etkili buyhacklink.com 7/24 Açık Elektrikçi. 7/24 Elektrik Tamircisi olarak adresinizdeki en yakın elektrikçiniz olarak uzman ve donanımlı kadromuzla daima işimizin başındayız. buyhacklink.com https://ustaelektrik.com.tr/
Çok yararlı bir makale olmuş. Severek takip ediyorum. Teşekkür ederim.
ucuz backlink buyhacklink.com Güvenilir Elektrikçi hizmeti al, zaman kazan, garantide ol. En iyi Üsküdar, İstanbul Elektrikçi listesinden birisi sana yakın. Ödüllü girişim.buyhacklink.com https://ustaelektrik.com.tr/
etkili buyhacklink.com 7/24 Açık Elektrikçi. 7/24 Elektrik Tamircisi olarak adresinizdeki en yakın elektrikçiniz olarak uzman ve donanımlı kadromuzla daima işimizin başındayız. buyhacklink.com https://ustaelektrik.com.tr/
Normally I do not read article on blogs however I would like to say that this writeup very forced me to try and do so Your writing style has been amazed me Thanks quite great post
ucuz backlink buyhacklink.com Güvenilir Elektrikçi hizmeti al, zaman kazan, garantide ol. En iyi Üsküdar, İstanbul Elektrikçi listesinden birisi sana yakın. Ödüllü girişim.buyhacklink.com https://ustaelektrik.com.tr/
kopya site buyhacklink.com Güvenilir Elektrikçi hizmeti al, zaman kazan, garantide ol. En iyi Üsküdar, İstanbul Elektrikçi listesinden birisi sana yakın. Ödüllü girişim.buyhacklink.com https://ustaelektrik.com.tr/
tesisat uzmanı buyhacklink.com Elektrikci | Toptan ve Perakende Tüm Elektrik Malzemesi Satışı, Online Elektrik Malzemeleri Deposu, Elektrik Malzemeleri Toptan, Elektrik Malzemesi Toptan buyhacklink.com https://ustaelektrik.com.tr/
boru döşer buyhacklink.com Elektrikçi olarak sadece acil durumlar için değil, aynı zamanda planlı elektrik işleri için de hizmet sunuyoruz. Elektrik tesisatı kurulumu, buyhacklink.com https://ustaelektrik.com.tr/
It’s incredibly easy to get started.
backlink buyhacklink.com 7/24 Açık Elektrikçi. 7/24 Elektrik Tamircisi olarak adresinizdeki en yakın elektrikçiniz olarak uzman ve donanımlı kadromuzla daima işimizin başındayız. buyhacklink.com https://ustaelektrik.com.tr/
Yazınız için teşekkürler. Bu bilgiler ışığında nice insanlar bilgilenmiş olacaktır.
Can I invest?
kopya site buyhacklink.com İstanbul Elektrikçi olarak, İstanbul’un her noktasında güvenilir ve profesyonel elektrik hizmetleri sunuyoruz. Priz tesisatı, kablo çekme, buyhacklink.com https://ustaelektrik.com.tr/
Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated
Fason işleme hizmeti alırken kalite ve hız arasında mükemmel bir denge kurabilen nadir firmalardan biri.
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
I was recommended this website by my cousin I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my difficulty You are wonderful Thanks
would like to thanks for the efforts you have put in writing this site. I am hoping the same high-grade site post from you in the upcoming also. Actually your creative writing skills has encouraged me to get my own web site now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a great example of it. Try to Visit My Web Site : RUNGKAD4D
m14pib