Renowned political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has voiced concerns over alleged efforts by Nigerian authorities to suppress his political expression, hinting at a possible relocation abroad.
On May 5, Utomi launched a virtual shadow government through the Big Tent Coalition, positioning the platform as a constructive opposition voice to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
READ ALSO: DSS seeks court order to restrict Pat Utomi from public advocacy for shadow government
However, this initiative has drawn the attention of the Department of State Services (DSS), which has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja with a request to declare the shadow cabinet initiative as unconstitutional.
In its suit, the DSS also asked the court to bar Utomi from making further public statements or organizing rallies aimed at promoting the shadow government.
Represented by counsel Akinlolu Kehinde, the DSS told the court that its surveillance and intelligence gathering suggest Utomi—currently outside the country but expected back on June 6—intends to organize rallies and public demonstrations. These, the agency argues, are framed as exercises of free speech but may incite dissatisfaction among the populace.
In documents submitted alongside the suit, the DSS claimed that Utomi’s planned activities could attract large gatherings with the potential to disrupt public peace, likening the situation to the 2020 #EndSARS protests.
The security agency warned the court of potential widespread unrest, destruction of property, and even loss of life, should the alleged plans not be curbed immediately.
Reacting during an interview with The Punch on Wednesday, Utomi lamented the pressures being placed on him and revealed he is seriously considering leaving the country.
“I’m getting fed up with all of this. If they are ready to shut my voice, I am ready to go to Ghana or anywhere else and live peacefully,” he said.
“I will retire next year and leave them to do whatever they want to do. I’m looking for a better country for the next generation. But politicians make it look like dissenting comments.
“I want to inspire the next generation to be free and make progress. It is now up to them.
“It is up to the current generation to realise that there are people who don’t want their country to grow.”
Utomi also disclosed that his legal team, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozekhome and other prominent lawyers, has filed a formal defence against the DSS’s legal claims.
