Political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has unveiled members of his shadow cabinet despite objections by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Naijaonpoint understands that the members of the shadow cabinet were unveiled on Wednesday, at a two-day retreat of the “Big Tent” political coalition in Abuja.
It would be recalled that the DSS had asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to restrain former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Pat Utomi, from making further public comments or staging rallies in connection with his plan to establish a shadow government in Nigeria.
However, Utomi maintained that his actions are in line with global best practices and not designed to usurp the functions of the ruling government but to provide expert policy reviews that could guide national development.
He also praised the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform for the opposition coalition, stating that the coalition offers Nigerians a credible political alternative.
“It will give Nigerians an alternative.
“The coalition is a work in progress aimed at using value-driven projects to move the country forward”, he said.
According to Arise TV, the membership of the shadow cabinet and their portfolios include Nana Kazaure (Information), Riwang Pam (Security), Nike Omola (Women and Gender Development), and Peter Agada (Infrastructure, Urban Development and Housing).
He stressed that the cabinet is not in competition with the government but would offer alternative views on issues of national development.
“Our purpose is not to compete with the government but to enrich governance through constructive alternative views.
“Good governance depends on the welfare of the people, and for that, we must ensure policy accountability and alternatives,” he noted.
The Professor recalled discussing the concept of a shadow cabinet with the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007, noting that although Yar’Adua supported the idea and even offered him a government role, he declined in order to maintain independence.
Utomi said Nigeria is not developing because its leaders lack political will and a clear national strategy.
Using the ongoing Coastal Road project as an example, he argued that if Nigeria had an integrated development plan, projects of such magnitude would be designed in consultation with the affected states and regions.
He said, “Nigeria has the data and capacity to be great but what we lack is the discipline and will to govern effectively. Policy inconsistencies remain a major setback.”
Utomi called for urgent government action to address critical national issues, especially insecurity, and reiterated the need for the establishment of state police to enhance internal security.