THE Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has dismissed concerns that a Federal High Court ruling would silence him, insisting that his freedom of expression remains intact despite being barred from forming a shadow cabinet.
Utomi, in an interview with journalist downplayed the significance of the judgment, stressing that his initiative was never about seeking constitutional recognition.
“We were not looking for a place in Nigeria’s constitution. This is unprecedented, but it was never about constitutional placement,” he explained.
When asked whether the ruling had put an end to his shadow government plans, Utomi reaffirmed his civic rights.
“As a citizen, I expect that I can continue to speak and meet with fellow Nigerians to express ourselves collectively,” he maintained.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, however, took a firm stance on the matter.
In a case brought by the Department of State Services (DSS), Justice James Omotosho declared the shadow cabinet idea unconstitutional, describing it as foreign to Nigeria’s presidential system.
He issued a perpetual injunction preventing Utomi and his associates from pursuing the plan and lauded the DSS for taking action to safeguard national security.
The court stressed that while freedom of association and expression are protected, they cannot serve as a cover for activities deemed unlawful.