Shadow Government: “My Hands Are Primed for Handcuffs — Death Is No Big Deal,” Pat Utomi Dares DSS

Professor Pat Utomi, renowned political economist and founder of the ‘Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government,’ says he is prepared for any action by the Department of State Services (DSS), including arrest and even death. In a strongly worded post on Friday, Utomi revealed that sympathisers across Nigeria have offered to mobilise as many as 500 lawyers to defend him following a legal suit filed by the DSS over his role in forming a shadow government.

The DSS filed charges against Utomi on May 14, shortly after he unveiled the shadow cabinet on May 5, a platform designed to serve as a structured opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Utomi described the initiative as a “national emergency response” aimed at scrutinising government policies and offering credible alternatives. Figures like human rights advocate Dele Farotimi are part of the shadow cabinet, which has drawn sharp criticism from the federal government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his post, Utomi expressed gratitude for the widespread support and reflected on his long history of pro-democracy activism, including efforts during the Abacha regime. “I am heartened by messages of solidarity from across Nigeria on this shadowy business of chasing shadows of shadow cabinets,” he wrote. “It’s energising some want to put together 500 lawyers to defend me against the DSS.”

Recalling a democracy-focused conference he helped organise under military rule, Utomi drew parallels between past and present, lamenting what he sees as a crackdown on civic engagement. He declared he would not go into hiding, saying, “Where am I? Will arrive on June 12 and head to Abiola’s residence. My hands are primed for handcuffs.”

Utomi concluded with a defiant message invoking historic freedom fighters and reflecting on mortality. “Death is no big deal. Four of my friends are in the morgue. What is certain is that Tinubu will not escape that same fate,” he said. “I am emboldened to chant ‘Freedom now.’ If we die, we die.”