A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy, to immediately stop his plan to establish a shadow government.
In a judgment delivered on Monday after a case was filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), the judge, Justice James Omotosho, ruled that the shadow government idea violates the Nigerian constitution.
The judge revealed that the idea is not just unconstitutional, it is also very incompatible with Nigeria’s presidential system of government.
Insisting that the shadow government could easily mislead Nigerians, Justice Omotosho declared that the nation’s constitution does not recognise any alternative government outside the one it provides for.
He concluded by declaring Utomi’s shadow government plan null and void with immediate effect.
“Section 14(2)(c) makes no allowance for a shadow government.
The defendant cannot use foreign constitutional models to confuse the people.
Such a shadow government is hereby declared void,” the judge added.
