Utomi argued the initiative was necessary due to “policy missteps” that have worsened poverty, insecurity, and driven out multinational companies.
Prominent economist and political activist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has formed a shadow government comprising members from multiple opposition parties, sparking a strong rebuke from the Federal Government.
The “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government” was inaugurated virtually on Monday and is expected to serve as a parallel structure to critique the Tinubu administration and propose alternative policies.
Utomi argued the initiative was necessary due to “policy missteps” that have worsened poverty, insecurity, and driven out multinational companies.
“If a genuine opposition does not courageously identify the performance failures of incumbents… it will be complicit in subverting the will of the people,” he said.
But Minister of Information Mohammed Idris dismissed the move: “The idea of a so-called ‘shadow government’ is an aberration. Nigeria is not a parliamentary system… and there is no provision for such in our statute books.”
Utomi insisted the cabinet would address issues like economic revival, decentralised security, and constitutional reform. He urged the group to “propose and promote a practical economic growth strategy,” adding: “Don’t worry if they steal your ideas and use them—the gain is for Nigeria.”