Government Condemns Utomi Move: Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy, has announced the creation of a shadow government under the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government, which was revealed virtually on Monday, May 5. The initiative is intended to act as a structured opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
A shadow government, commonly found in parliamentary systems, mirrors the structure of the actual government, offering scrutiny, policy alternatives, and a platform for the opposition. Utomi described this particular shadow government as a “national emergency response” to the Tinubu administration’s policies and governance.
According to Utomi, the group comprises members from various opposition parties and aims to critically analyze government actions, highlight policy deficiencies, and provide alternative approaches across key sectors such as the economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, law and order, and constitutional reform.
Still on Government Condemns Utomi Move
“The recent wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress further demonstrates that all is not well with democracy in Nigeria,” Utomi remarked. He stressed the importance of a credible opposition to expose governance failures and reshape national discourse. He also criticized the government’s handling of the petroleum subsidy removal, accusing it of masking poor planning under the guise of political consensus.
“This shadow team must also address issues of ethics, transparency, and integrity, which continue to challenge this government at every turn,” he added. The shadow cabinet is expected to meet weekly to review public policy and propose reforms.
Prominent members of the shadow government include Dele Farotimi, a human rights advocate, who will lead the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio. Other members of the policy delivery unit include Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga. Additional members are Adefolusade Adebayo, Peter Agadah, Sadiq Gombe, Chibuzor Nwachukwu, Salvation Alibor, Bilkisu Magoro, Victor Tubo, Charles Odibo, Otive Igbuzor, Eunice Atuejide, Gbenga Ajayi, Mani Ahmad, Peter Oyewole, and Omano Edigheji.
Other notable members include Sidi Ali, Ibrahim Abdukarim, Adenike Oriola, Promise Adewusi, Ukachukwu Awuzie, Ambrose Obimma, Rwang Pam, Dr. Kingsley Anedo, Auwal Aliyu, Ghazali Ado, Nana Kazaure, Aisha Yusuf, Dr. Charles Gilbert, and Olujimi Akiboh.
In response to the development, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, criticized the initiative as inappropriate within Nigeria’s federal structure. “At a time when our nation is set to celebrate 26 years of uninterrupted presidential democracy, the idea of a so-called ‘shadow government’ is an aberration,” he stated. “Nigeria is not a parliamentary system where such a concept is practiced, and there is no provision for it in our statute books. While opposition politics is a central feature of democracy, it must always be practiced within the bounds of propriety. This idea of a shadow government sadly does not pass that test. Our bicameral legislature sufficiently includes members of the opposition, and it should be the proper venue for contesting meaningful ideas for nation-building.”
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