The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken former presidential candidate, Professor Pat Utomi, to court for allegedly trying to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s authority by setting up a “shadow government” in Nigeria.
The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accuses Utomi of attempting to create an alternative government structure that could cause instability and confusion in the country.
The DSS claims that Utomi’s actions could lead to political unrest and encourage others to challenge the authority of the democratically elected government.
They argue that forming a shadow cabinet violates Nigeria’s Constitution, which only recognises governance through structures created by democratic elections.
According to the DSS, Utomi had publicly announced the creation of this shadow government, listing various individuals who would serve as ministers or advisers in his proposed cabinet.
The DSS said this move could mislead the public and weaken trust in the current administration.
Despite efforts by the government, including warnings from the Minister of Information, to stop him, Utomi reportedly refused to back down.
In the court documents, the DSS is asking for a permanent order to prevent Utomi and his associates from continuing with their plans.
They insist that only authorities recognised by the Constitution can govern any part of Nigeria and that anything outside of this is unlawful.
The court is yet to set a date to hear the case.
