A respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adeboro Adamson, has supported the decision of the Department of State Services (DSS) to pursue legal action against the recently announced “shadow government” organized by Professor Pat Utomi.
During a Sunday evening interview on Arise Television, Adamson described the DSS’s action as appropriate and consistent with its responsibilities under Nigerian law. He noted that the DSS acted within its scope and chose a lawful path to address concerns over the possible implications of Utomi’s announcement.
Utomi, a professor of political economy and well-known political commentator, launched what he described as a “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government” earlier this month.
The initiative, according to him, is meant to serve as a monitoring body for the current administration’s policies. He stated that the shadow team would provide constructive criticism and present policy alternatives in various sectors like education, health, and security.
However, the formation has sparked controversy, with the DSS seeing it as a potential threat to national stability. The agency has taken the matter to court, asking for legal clarification on whether forming such a parallel structure aligns with constitutional guidelines.
Adamson backed the DSS’s choice to approach the judiciary rather than taking a more forceful route. “Some might ask why the DSS chose a civil suit over a criminal one? My answer is that the DSS has chosen to submit to the courts to determine if the actions and utterances of the revered professor can be situated within the confines of the Constitution,” he said.
He further noted that this legal approach reflects a mature and democratic way to resolve disputes. “This is a civilized way of doing things,” he added.
