DSS Takes on Utomi: The Shadow Government Allegation
DSS Initiates Legal Procedures Against Pat Utomi for Accusations of Power Grabbing Presidential Authority
In an unexpected turn of events, fresh allegations against former presidential candidate, Pat Utomi, have emerged. The Department of State Services (DSS), in a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, claims Utomi is attempting to illegally wield President Bola Tinubu's executive powers by establishing a shadow government.
According to our sources, the case numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, is raising eyebrows and stirring controversy. The DSS asserts that Utomi's actions pose a significant threat to national security and the constitutional order of Nigeria by undermining the legitimacy of the democratically elected government and potentially sparking political unrest.
The proposed shadow government, unregistered and unrecognized by the Nigerian Constitution, would allegedly attempt to function as an alternative to the legitimate government, violating constitutional provisions. Controversial figures like Dele Farotimi, Oghene Momoh, and Cheta Nwanze are mentioned to have key roles in this shadow government.
The DSS filed a statement informing the court that the defendant's actions could mislead segments of the public, weaken confidence in the legitimacy of the elected government, and fuel public disaffection. The agency fears that if allowed to proceed, Utomi's shadow government could destabilize Nigeria, potentially providing a platform for separatist groups or unlawful actors to establish similar parallel governments.
The DSS demands that the court declares the shadow government unconstitutional and illegal, also seeks a permanent injunction to prevent Utomi and associates from pursuing or establishing the shadow government or any similar entity unrecognized by the Constitution.
This escalation has sparked debate, with some viewing it as an overreach and others questioning its legitimacy. Human rights activist Peter Mazi argues that the action could be perceived as overly political and even borderline witch-hunting, as dissent and opposition are essential components of democracy. Some critics question whether there's an explicit constitutional provision that criminalizes the formation of a shadow government.
As the case progresses, the legal and political implications will come to the forefront, with the DSS being urged to present clear evidence supporting its claims and adhering to democratic norms.
- The DSS, in a lawsuit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accuses a former presidential candidate, Pat Utomi, of attempting to unlawfully wield President Bola Tinubu's executive powers by forming a shadow government.
- The shadow government, allegedly led by controversial figures like Dele Farotimi, Oghene Momoh, and Cheta Nwanze, is claimed by DSS to be a significant threat to Nigeria's national security and constitutional order.
- The DSS has filed a statement in court, stating that the shadow government, unregistered and unrecognized by the Nigerian Constitution, would violate constitutional provisions if it were to function as an alternative to the legitimate government.
- The DSS urges the court to declare the shadow government unconstitutional and illegal, and seeks a permanent injunction to prevent Utomi and associates from establishing the shadow government or any similar entity unrecognized by the Constitution.
- This escalation has sparked debate, with some criticizing DSS for potentially overreaching and borderline witch-hunting, as dissent and opposition are essential components of democracy.
- In response to critics who question the legality of such actions, the DSS is being urged to present clear evidence supporting its claims and adhering to democratic norms, as the case progresses, the legal and political implications will come to the forefront.
