Abuja court gives judgment on stopping Peter Obi’s ally Utomi from forming shadow govt

Professor of Political Economy and Management Expert, Barr Pat Utomi has been barred by a Federal High Court in Abuja from setting up a ‘shadow government’ in Nigeria.

The court described the move as “unconstitutional and void.”

Justice James Omotosho, in his judgment, upheld the arguments of the Department of State Services (DSS) that Utomi’s action portends danger to the peace and security of Nigeria.

Justice Omotosho said he had perused the country’s constitution and there was no part that supports the formation of a shadow or parallel government.

Citing Section 1(1) and (2) of the 1999 constitution, the judge said the law is supreme and binding on all citizens irrespective of political divides.

he judge ruled: “The Nigerian constitution makes me room for shadow government. “Therefore, any participation in any government which is unknown to law will be struck down by this court. “I hereby declared the formation as void.” Furthermore, the judge affirmed the jurisdictional power of the court to entertain the matter.

Legit.ng reports that the court, in dealing with the novel issues of “shadow government,” had invited some eminent legal experts for their professional inputs.

Justice Omotosho had, on Thursday, July 10, fixed today, Monday, September 29, for the judgment in the DSS’ suit against Prof. Utomi.

The judge fixed the date after DSS’ counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN); Utomi’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), and the seven invited friends of the court made their submissions for and against the suit.

Prof. Utomi is a strong ally of Peter Obi, a presidential hopeful and Labour Party (LP) chieftain.

A video of the aftermath of the judgment can be seen below: