Rewritten Article
Pat Utomi Slaps Back at DSS Accusations, Insists No Shadow Government Threat
DSS Insists: No Plans for a Parallel Government, Contrary to APC's Allegations Against Goodluck Jonathan
In the Heat of the Moment
In a twists and turns worthy of a political thriller, former presidential candidate, Pat Utomi, has hit back at allegations of launching a shadow government, a move purportedly aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu's legitimacy and posing a threat to national security.
The Legal Battle
According to our sources, the legal battle unfolds in the Federal High Court, Abuja, where a suit, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, has been filed against Utomi. The Department of State Services (DSS) claims Utomi's clandestine power play is a significant threat to the constitutional order of Nigeria[1][2][4].
Utomi's Unfazed Response
In an exclusive chat with Punch, Utomi remained adamant, stating he's yet to receive any such suit from the DSS. With a shrug, he quipped, "If we die, we die." When quizzed about the government's argument that the shadow government lacks legal and constitutional backing, he dismissed it as semantic games[5].
Revisiting the Past
Reminding us of past events, Utomi pointed out how the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), itself had threatened former President Goodluck Jonathan with the formation of a parallel government. He clarified that the allegations of forming a shadow government were unfounded[5].
The Big Tent Coalition
Utomi unveiled the "Big Tent Coalition," a 39-member collective, intended to serve as a constructive critic of the government's policies and propose innovative governance ideas. The move has met with stern criticism from the Federal Government and the APC[2][3].
Looking Ahead
The case remains unassigned, and the DSS asserts that the shadow government poses a grave attack on the Constitution and a threat to the democratically elected government[4]. Utomi has called the lawsuit a cowardly attack on the constitution, maintaining that he is upholding his rights[3].
Keep a weather eye on this developing narrative as the court proceedings unfold. Stay tuned for more updates!
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Enrichment Data:
Background- Accusations: The DSS accuses Professor Pat Utomi, a former presidential candidate, of attempting to illegally establish a "shadow government" in Nigeria, posing a threat to national security and constitutional order[1][2][4].- Legal Action: The DSS initiated a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, referred to as FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025. The suit designates Utomi as the sole defendant, alleging that his actions aim to challenge the legitimacy of President Tinubu's democratically elected government[1][2][4].
The Shadow Government- Formation: Utomi introduced the "Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government," consisting of members from various opposition parties. The coalition serves to criticize the government's policies constructively and propose alternative governance ideas[2][3].- Reaction: The move has incited condemnation from the Federal Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with the DSS viewing it as an attempt to incite public disaffection against President Tinubu[2][4].
Legal Proceedings- Current Status: The suit remains unassigned, allowing for further contention between parties. The DSS contends that the shadow government entails a grave attack on the Nigerian Constitution and a threat to the democratically elected government[4].- Utomi's Response: Utomi persists that the lawsuit constitutes cowardice and treachery towards the Constitution, insisting that he acted within his constitutional rights[3].
Future DevelopmentsAs proceedings continue, it's vital to observe the progress in the legal battle, considering potential court rulings or declarations issued by the involved parties.
- Despite the Department of State Services (DSS) accusing him of organizing a shadow government, Professor Pat Utomi insists he hasn't received any such lawsuit.
- The Big Tent Coalition, led by Utomi, is a 39-member collective designed to critique the government's policies and offer innovative governance solutions.
- In response to the DSS viewpoint that the shadow government lacks legal or constitutional backing, Utomi dismisses it as semantic games.
- Utomi's "Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government" move has elicited stern criticism from the Federal Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
- In a legal dispute at the Federal High Court, Abuja, over Utomi's alleged shadow government activity, the case remains unassigned, with both parties presenting contrasting views on the matter's constitutional implications.
