- The Big Idea: Professor Utomi wants a ‘shadow government’ to challenge the current administration with fresh ideas.
- DSS Concerns: The DSS is reportedly worried this could be illegal.
- Akande’s Take: It’s just filling a leadership void and sparking debate.
- Viability: Akande isn’t sure it will work long-term, but appreciates the effort to fill a vacuum in political discourse.
Utomi’s Shadow Government: No Big Deal?
Laolu Akande, speaking on Channels Television’s *Sunrise Daily*, told the DSS to focus on bigger fish. He believes Professor Utomi is simply trying to inject some much-needed intellectual debate into Nigerian politics.
“I would advise the DSS people not to bother themselves too much. There are more important things for the DSS to deal with… Just leave Utomi alone, he’s just having fun,” Akande said.
What’s a Shadow Government Anyway?
Professor Utomi’s idea is to create a group that mirrors the actual government, but its main job is to come up with alternative policies and challenge the status quo. Think of it as a think tank meets political opposition.
Akande thinks Utomi is just trying to address the lack of serious engagement from existing opposition parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP). He says they haven’t been effective in holding the ruling party accountable.
Is it Even Legal?
Akande admits he’s not a lawyer, so he can’t say for sure if Utomi’s plan is legal. But he sees it as a way to express ideas and encourage political participation.
Why Now? The Opposition is MIA
Akande criticized the current state of political engagement in Nigeria, pointing out that the main opposition parties seem to have lost their edge. Utomi’s plan, he suggests, is a response to this “serious vacuum” in ideological debate.
“He says it’s not to bring down any government, it’s just to provide ideas, specific ideas and alternatives… we have to contest ideas—even with a ruling party, which is not existing,” Akande stated.
Will it Actually Work?
Akande isn’t convinced Utomi’s shadow government will become a long-term fixture. He sees it more as a wake-up call to get people thinking and talking about how to improve Nigeria.
“I don’t see it as a very viable thing that is going to happen. I think Utomi is just trying to say, ‘Look, this space is empty—we can’t leave this in a vacuum.’ That’s what I see,” he added.