The Abuja division of the federal high court has ruled that the plan by former presidential candidate Prof Pat Utomi to establish a shadow government in Nigeria is illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional.
The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, gave the order while delivering a verdict on a suit filed by the Department of State Services against Pat Utomi.
.Justice Omotosho has granted an injunction restraining Pat Utomi and his associates from proceeding with plans to establish a shadow government or cabinet in the country. He ruled that the concept of a shadow government or cabinet is unconstitutional and incompatible with the nation’s presidential system of government.
The court held that Utomi and his associates cannot hide under the rights of association and to criticise the government to engage in unlawful activities.
He commended the plaintiff for filing the suit and held among others, that it was within the right of the dss to take steps to prevent acts capable of threatening the nation’s internal security.
