Akande Defends Pat Utomi Amid DSS Legal Action
Laolu Akande, former media aide to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has called on Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) to halt legal proceedings against Professor Pat Utomi, who recently proposed the formation of a “shadow government.”
Speaking in defense of the respected academic and political economist, Akande argued that the concept of a shadow cabinet is a legitimate political idea that poses no threat to national security.
DSS Alleges Threat to Governance
The DSS has filed a case against Utomi, alleging that the formation of a shadow government is an attempt to usurp the authority of Nigeria’s democratically elected administration. The agency claims Utomi’s move could sow political unrest and undermine public confidence in the federal government.
“Political Dissent Isn’t Criminal” – Akande
Akande, however, insists that dissent and alternative political ideas should be allowed to flourish in a democratic society. He emphasized that the idea of a shadow government is common in parliamentary systems and should be seen as part of a healthy political discourse.
“We must protect spaces for political expression. This is democracy, not dictatorship,” he said.
Legal and Public Reactions Mixed
The case has sparked national debate. While some legal experts back the DSS’s concern over perceived subversive activities, others argue that the crackdown may infringe on freedom of political association and thought.
As the matter unfolds in court, it underscores growing concerns over the shrinking space for opposition politics in Nigeria.
