Lagos, Nigeria – A prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Adeboro Adamson, has publicly supported the Department of State Services (DSS) in its decision to legally challenge the recently announced “shadow government” initiated by former presidential candidate Professor Pat Utomi.
Speaking on Arise TV on Sunday night, Adamson lauded the DSS for its “civilised” approach, emphasizing that seeking legal interpretation aligns with the agency’s constitutional responsibilities.
“The DSS has a clear mandate encompassing the detection and prevention of subversion, terrorism, and espionage,” Adamson stated. “Given this, the professor’s announcement of a ‘shadow cabinet’ to oversee governance raises legitimate questions regarding potential subversion.”
Professor Utomi, a well-known political economist, unveiled his “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government” as a “national emergency response” aimed at monitoring the current administration’s performance and proposing alternative policies.
However, the initiative has drawn significant criticism. The DSS responded by filing a legal challenge, questioning the constitutional basis of establishing a parallel governing structure.
Adamson defended the DSS’s action, arguing that pursuing a civil suit demonstrates a commitment to the rule of law. “Some might wonder why the DSS opted for the courts instead of a criminal prosecution. The answer lies in their choice to seek judicial clarification on whether Professor Utomi’s actions fall within constitutional boundaries,” he explained. “This is a commendable and civilised approach.”
Adding to the controversy, Reno Omokri, a former aide to President Goodluck Jonathan, went further, labeling Utomi’s initiative as “treasonous” in a social media post. “Creating a shadow government in a nation with a constitutionally elected President is not activism; it’s a coup by other means,” Omokri asserted.
In response, Professor Utomi has maintained that his coalition is lawful and constitutional. “This is not an attempt to overthrow the government,” he clarified at the launch. “It is a national emergency response focused on observation, critique, and offering alternative solutions in crucial sectors like education, health, security, and governance.”
While the DSS has not officially commented on the ongoing legal proceedings, sources within the agency indicate that they view the shadow government as a potential threat to constitutional order and public stability. The legal challenge is expected to clarify the permissible limits of political opposition and the establishment of alternative governance structures in Nigeria.
