The Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped Professor Pat Utomi, a political economist, and his associates from going ahead with their plan to set up a shadow government.
Delivering judgment on Monday in a suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), Justice James Omotosho held that the proposal was unconstitutional and at odds with Nigeria’s presidential system of government.
According to the judge, the idea of a shadow cabinet could mislead citizens, as the constitution makes no provision for any parallel or alternative government.
“The 1999 Constitution, under Section 14(2)(c), makes no allowance for a shadow government. The defendant cannot import foreign constitutional models to confuse the people. Such a shadow government is hereby declared void,” Justice Omotosho ruled.
