Victor EzejaProfessor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting democratic ideals in Nigeria, even at the expense of his life.
In an apparent reaction to the legal action initiated against him by the Department of State Services (DSS) over his lead role in the formation of a shadow government recently, Utomi said he is not afraid of death while fighting for good governance and the survival of democracy in Nigeria.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrime Business Africa had reported that the DSS filed a suit against Utomi at the Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday, over the formation of the shadow cabinet. The agency accused Utomi of attempting to usurp the executive powers of President Bola Tinubu.
Among the reliefs sought by the defendant is an order of court restraining Utomi, his representatives, and associates “from further taking any steps towards the establishment or operation of a “shadow government, ‘shadow cabinet,’ or any similar entity not recognised by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
However, in a series of tweets on his X handle, the founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) and candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2007 presidential election reiterated the primary goal of setting up the shadow team.
Utomi, who is the convener of the Big Tent Coalition, launched the Shadow team on 5 May 2025. According to him, the goal of the Big Tent shadow team is to educate the citizens about governance and policy options, as well as holding the government accountable.
READ ALSO: Why Democracy Is Dying In Nigeria – Utomi
While highlighting his roles during the struggles for return to democracy when the country was under military rule, the political activist condemned attempts to silence the voice of citizens offering constructive criticism on government policies, adding that such is an act of cowardice and violates provisions of the Nigerian constitution.
He said: “Under Abacha, we brought Nigerians together at St. Leo in Ikeja for a conference on the future of Nigeria. I chaired the planning, which came out of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria under the watch of then Fr. Kukah and Ehusani. Now, for shadowing democracy, hell comes.
“Where am I? Will arrive on June 12 and head to Abiola’s residence. My hands are primed for handcuffs, and if the Aquino treatment from Marcos, bullet at the Airport is preferred, I submit willingly like a lamb led to slaughter. Death is no big deal. 4 of my friends are in the morgue.
“What is certain is that Tinubu will not escape that same fate. He may have been in London when I faced the assassins under Abacha and been the supplier to Chief Enahoro and NADECO Abroad of reports of my position on matters of the struggle, but we all ultimately go the way of man.”
READ ALSO: Shadow Govt: We Didn’t Launch A Parallel Govt, Utomi Responds To FG
Utomi said, despite the persecution, he would keep fighting for democratic accountability, comparing his position to that of global liberation icons like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Mahatma Gandhi.
“To the Spirit of Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jnr, Nelson Mandela and the holy watch of St. Thomas Moore I raise the meaning of being for what is left of my time on this stage.
“I remember the showman of Science, Carl Sagan, as the NASA orbiter turned its camera to Earth for the final time. A spec of dust, home to tyrants who have threatened Rivers of Blood; and also to all those we have loved. I am emboldened to chant Freedom now, if we die, we die.”
While highlighting the consequences of authoritarian leadership, Utomi shared the story of Alberto Kenya Fujimori, a former Peruvian president of Japanese descent, who implemented a series of military reforms and used repressive and lethal force to suppress various groups (media, politicians, activists, pressure groups) against his government, including the legislature and judiciary, effectively making himself a de facto dictator. But at the end, he had to flee and, on a visit to Chile, was arrested and sent back to Peru, where he was tried and jailed.
He further stated that “To stifle freedom of expression and bully civilized expression of difference is an act of cowardice and treachery to the constitution of Nigeria. What many people cannot figure out is how we got here.”
He urged patriots from across the six zones of the country to rise and oppose the ugly development.
500 Lawyers To Defend Me Against DSS – Utomi
On his case with DSS, Utomi said he is amazed at the level of support and solidarity he is already getting with some offering to mobilise about 500 lawyers to defend him.
“I want to thank all. It’s energizing, some want to put together 500 lawyers to defend me against the DSS,” he wrote.
“It’s amazing that we are chasing shadows while our constitution is unraveling, aided by those in power. The constitution holds that those who defect from parties they were elected MUST have their seats declared vacant. If DSS enjoys going to court, it should prosecute such.”
He said the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) is pushing to have a one-party state, and that is not good for the country’s democracy, as vibrant opposing voices are needed to always put the government in check.
He said these are part of what prompted the formation of the Big Tent Shadow Team.
“With the one-party state intentions of APC and financing of crisis in all parties outside APC, compounded by the greed of the politicians to remain in the prebendal lane of sharing, the desperation for Oxygen in the system meant the imperative of the Big Tent shadow team.
“To back away from shadowing the government to keep it accountable is a betrayal of a moral obligation. The Big Tent shadow team will have to pursue this citizen’s duty with diligence and the highest ethical consideration. More importantly, the compass must lead to the common good.
“In the quest for the common good, it is usual that scoundrels will turn to insults, lies, threats, and ad hominem jibes away from issues. I have counseled that all in the Big Tent Shadow team focus on issues and ignore suggestions of motives, personal frustrations, etc, they haul.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
