🇳🇬 “If We Die, We Die”: Pat Utomi Defies DSS Lawsuit Over Shadow Government

By News24Hours | May 10, 2025 | Politics | Nigeria

Renowned economist and political figure Professor Pat Utomi has issued a fiery response to a lawsuit filed against him by the Department of State Services (DSS), following his launch of a Shadow Government aimed at scrutinizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

On May 5, Utomi unveiled the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government, describing it as a platform for opposition voices to track policy failures, propose solutions, and promote transparency in governance. The initiative includes members from across Nigeria’s political spectrum and focuses on reforms in areas such as the economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, law and order, and constitutional development.

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⚖️ DSS Accuses Utomi of Attempting to Usurp Presidential Powers

In swift retaliation, the DSS dragged Utomi to court, accusing him of plotting to illegally assume executive powers and destabilize the country.

According to court filings, the DSS views the shadow cabinet as an “unauthorized attempt to replicate government authority,” which they argue is a threat to national stability.

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💬 Utomi Fires Back: “We Are Chasing Shadows While the Constitution Unravels”

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Professor Utomi denounced the charges, labeling them an attack on freedom of association and democratic expression.

“We are chasing shadows while our constitution is unraveling. The DSS should instead prosecute elected officials who defect from their parties without losing their seats, as the constitution demands,” Utomi tweeted.

He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming public support, revealing that hundreds of lawyers have offered to defend him pro bono.

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📜 Lessons From the Past: Echoes of Abacha Era

Utomi drew parallels between the current situation and Nigeria’s dark military era under General Sani Abacha, recalling how civil society groups once convened to challenge dictatorship.

“Back then, we brought Nigerians together at St. Leo’s in Ikeja to chart a path for democracy. Now, for merely suggesting an alternative, they want to bring hell,” he said.

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✊ “I Submit Willing Like a Lamb Led to Slaughter”

In one of his boldest statements yet, Utomi said he is prepared for arrest—or even assassination.

“My hands are primed for handcuffs. If the Aquino treatment from Marcos is preferred—bullet at the airport—I submit, willing like a lamb led to slaughter. Death is no big deal,” he wrote.

“Four of my friends are already in the morgue. Tinubu will not escape the same fate. We all go the way of man.”

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🌍 Standing in the Tradition of Mandela, Gandhi, and MLK

Referencing global freedom icons, Utomi reaffirmed his determination to continue speaking truth to power.

“To the spirits of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and the holy watch of St. Thomas More, I dedicate what remains of my time on this stage,” he posted.

He closed with a rallying cry:

“I chant: Freedom now. If we die, we die.”

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🧭 What It Means for Democracy

The confrontation between the Big Tent Coalition and the DSS has sparked concerns over the state of democracy in Nigeria. As Democracy Day (June 12) approaches, the implications of silencing opposition voices will be closely watched both locally and internationally.

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