A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained Professor Pat Utomi and his associates from going ahead with their plan to establish a shadow government or cabinet in the country.
In a judgment delivered on Monday, Justice James Omotosho ruled on a case brought by the Department of State Services (DSS). He declared the concept of a shadow government unconstitutional and foreign to Nigeria’s presidential system of governance.
The court held that while Nigerians have the right to association and to criticise government policies, such rights cannot be used as a cover for unlawful activities.
Justice Omotosho commended the DSS for filing the suit, ruling that it was within the agency’s powers to take steps to prevent actions that could threaten the nation’s internal security.
