Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy, says some sympathisers are offering to put together 500 lawyers to defend him against the Department of State Services (DSS).
Utomi’s comment followed the legal action initiated against him by the DSS.
SHADOW GOVERNMENT
On May 5, Utomi launched the ‘Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government’ — a platform aimed at serving as a credible opposition to the President Bola Tinubu administration.
A shadow government is a structure established by opposition groups to act as a check on the official government, critiquing policies and providing alternative solutions.
Utomi described the initiative as a “national emergency response” to the policies of the federal government.
The shadow cabinet is composed of various professionals and public figures, including Dele Farotimi, the human rights advocate, who oversees the ombudsman and good governance portfolio.
The federal government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) criticised the initiative.
On May 14, the DSS filed a suit against Utomi over the initiative.
‘DEATH IS NO BIG DEAL’
In a post on his X page on Friday, Utomi said he is being galvanised by show of support from across Nigeria.
“I am heartened by messages of solidarity from across Nigeria on this shadowy business of chasing shadows of shadow cabinets. Reminds me of the Nigeria I used to know,” he wrote.
“I want to thank all. It’s energizing some want to put together 500 lawyers to defend me against the DSS.”
Utomi recalled chairing a conference on democracy during the late Sani Abacha era.
“It was put as a question: Is this how democracy dies in Nigeria. The answer is in the affirmative. This is how democracy died in Nigeria. Where citizens cannot organize themselves to ask questions of their agents,” he wrote.
“Under Abacha we brought Nigerians together at St. Leo in Ikeja for a conference on the future of Nigeria.
“I chaired the planning which came out of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria on the watch of then Fr. Kukah and Ehusani. Now for shadowing democracy hell comes.”
The economist added that he would not go into hiding.
“Where am I? Will arrive on June 12 and head to Abiola’s residence. My hands are primed for handcuffs and if the Aquino treatment from Marcos, bullet at the Airport is preferred, I submit willing like a lamb led to slaughter,” he said.
“Death is no big deal. 4 of my friends are in the morgue.
“What is certain is that Tinubu will not escape that same fate. He may have been in London when I faced the assassins under Abacha and been the supplier to Chief Enahoro and NADECO abroad of reports of my position on matters of the struggle but we all ultimately go the way of man.
“To the Spirit of Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jnr, Nelson Mandela and the holy watch of St. Thomas Moore I raise the meaning of being for what is left of my time on this stage.
“I remember the showman of Science, Carl Sagan, as the NASA orbiter turned its camera to earth for the final time.
“A spec of dust, home to tyrants who have threatened Rivers of Blood; and also to all those we have loved. I am emboldened to chant Freedom now, if we die we die.”
(The Cable)
