A FORMER presidential spokesperson and political analyst, Laolu Akande, has dismissed concerns over Pat Utomi’s proposed shadow government.
He described it as a harmless exercise in political thought rather than a threat to national security.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, May 16, Akande urged the State Security Services (SSS) to focus on more pressing security issues rather than targeting Utomi’s initiative.
Akande’s remarks came in response to a lawsuit filed by the SSS against Utomi, a professor.
Background
The SSS had, on Wednesday, May 14, taken legal action against Utomi, accusing him of attempting to illegally usurp President Bola Tinubu’s executive powers by forming a shadow government.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the SSS argued that Utomi’s actions posed a threat to national security and constitutional order.
The SSS contends that Utomi’s shadow government is an unregistered and unrecognised body that contravenes the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The security agency further claimed that Utomi, through public statements and social media, had announced the formation of the body to challenge the legitimacy of the democratically elected government.
Inaugurating the shadow cabinet, Utomi had reportedly assigned roles, including the ombudsman and good governance portfolio to Dele Farotimi, and set up a policy delivery team consisting of Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga, among others.
Utomi described the initiative as a “national emergency response” to the policies of the Federal Government.
But the SSS asserted that such actions could mislead the public, undermine confidence in the elected government, and incite political unrest.
I am read tor SSS handcuffs – Utomi
Reacting to the legal action against him, Utomi on Friday, May 16, in a post via his X handle, said “It’s energising some want to put together 500 lawyers to defend me against the SSS.”
He also stressed that he would not go into hiding but rather submit to the SSS.
“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, willing like a lamb led to slaughter.
“Death is no big deal. Four of my friends are in the morgue,” he added.
Akande’s position
However, during an interview with Channel Television on Friday, Akande downplayed the legal implications, stating that Utomi’s actions should not be treated as a criminal offense.
“I would advise the DSS people not to bother themselves too much. There are more important things for the DSS to deal with. Please, let’s do that. Just leave Utomi alone, he’s just having fun,” he said.
Akande acknowledged that whether Utomi’s plan was against the law should be determined by legal experts, but he insisted that it merely represented an expression of political thought.
He further stated that Utomi’s idea was not aimed at seizing power but rather at filling what he termed a ‘serious vacuum’ in Nigeria’s political space.
Akande also pointed out the lack of effective political opposition in Nigeria, criticising the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) for failing to adequately challenge the ruling party on policy issues.
“The credit we can’t deny Professor Pat Utomi is that he understands there’s a serious vacuum, even in terms of contesting ideas with the current administration. The opposition – whether it’s PDP or LP – has completely lost that footing,” he said.
He commended Utomi for recognising this gap and attempting to address it through his proposal.
He, however, expressed doubt over its long-term viability.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M