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Pat Utomi Forms Shadow Govt • It’s an Abberation – FG

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said, “At a time when our nation is set to celebrate 26 unbroken years of presidential democracy, the idea of a so-called “shadow government” is an aberration

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Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, was named head of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio.

Prof. Pat Utomi, has inaugurated a shadow government composed of members from various opposition parties.

A shadow government is individuals or an organization providing counsel to government officials without being publicly accountable.

Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, was named head of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio.

Others appointed to the policy delivery unit include Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga.

Other members of the shadow cabinet include Dr. Adefolusade Adebayo, Dr. Peter Agadah, Dr. Sadiq Gombe, Chibuzor Nwachukwu, Salvation Alibor, Bilkisu Magoro, Dr. Victor Tubo, Charles Odibo, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Eunice Atuejide, Gbenga Ajayi, and Dr. Mani Ahmad, as well as Peter Oyewole and Dr. Omano Edigheji.

Utomi said that the “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government,” launched virtually on Monday evening, will function as a credible opposition force, highlighting the failures of the Bola Tinubu administration while offering ideas for better governance.

Utomi, however, justified the move, arguing that policy missteps by the current Federal Government had worsened poverty, driven multinational companies out of the country, and intensified terrorism in Benue and Plateau states, alongside rising insecurity and corruption nationwide.

The political activist expressed concern over what he described as the government’s resort to propaganda and the suppression of opposing views.

“The recent spate of defections to the All Progressives Congress provides further evidence that all is not well with democracy in Nigeria,” he said.

“The imperative is that if a genuine opposition does not courageously identify the performance failures of incumbents, offer options, and influence culture in a counter direction, it will be complicit in subverting the will of the people.”

He said the shadow cabinet—made up of figures drawn from several opposition parties—was created to respond to what he called a national emergency.

“Today, I bring to this pioneer body the desperate cries of a people troubled by how their reality seems bound for serfdom.

I challenge you to awaken these people who wrongly believe that everything is fine as long as they can manage a share of what little still trickles down from crude oil sales,” Utomi said.

Utomi stated that the shadow government would hold weekly cabinet meetings to assess government policies and propose practical alternatives.

He identified immediate priorities as the stimulation of production, the formulation of a coherent economic growth strategy, decentralisation of security, and constitutional reform.

The cabinet, he said, would also focus on providing alternatives in healthcare, education, infrastructure development, law and order, and policy monitoring.

However , in a swift reaction, the Federal Government kicked against the move, describing it as an aberration in a federal system of government.

In an interview with the Punch, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said, “At a time when our nation is set to celebrate 26 unbroken years of presidential democracy, the idea of a so-called “shadow government” is an aberration.”

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LP, NCC, gives Abure 48 hours to address allegations

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One week after the leadership of the Labour Party (LP) under Mr Julius Abure appointed a disciplinary committee to investigate alleged anti-party activities by the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, and the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, the National Caretaker Committee (NCC) of the LP has also named a panel to probe Abure’s tenure as National Chairman.

The NCC, led by a former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, is aligned with the camp of Otti and Obi.

The NCC has also given Abure 48 hours to stop “parading” himself as the chairman of the LP, arguing that his tenure has lapsed.

He is required to show cause as to why he should not be sanctioned for insisting that he remains the party’s national chairman.

The Nenadi Usman-led NCC addressed a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday to react to what it described as the “excesses of Abure,” vowing to prevent his alleged bid to destabilise the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former minister, who read the press conference statement, noted that following the Supreme Court’s judgment on 4 April 2025, which ended Abure’s tenure, it had been expected that the factional chairman would act more maturely by embracing reconciliation with the current NCC to rebuild the party.

She expressed surprise that, rather than uniting with the party leadership to strategise as one body, Abure had opted to continue presenting himself as chairman while discrediting key party figures such as Otti and Obi.

Usman stated, “After a careful and comprehensive review of the Supreme Court judgment delivered on Friday, 4 April 2025, the National Executive Council (NEC) is deeply concerned by the subsequent actions of Barr. Julius Abure, particularly his continued impersonation of the esteemed office of the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

“These actions have not only violated the spirit and letter of the law but have also tarnished the image and integrity of our great party.

“In the exercise of its constitutional mandate and in strict accordance with the disciplinary provisions of the Labour Party Constitution 2019 (As Amended), the NEC, in session, hereby announces the commencement of disciplinary actions against Mr Abure.

These actions begin with the constitution of a special investigative committee to review Mr Abure’s conduct as it affects the party’s image and integrity.

“In line with due process and the party constitution, the NEC gives Mr Abure 48 hours to show why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for his numerous acts of misconduct against the party.

“The formal notice of disciplinary action will be sent to the last known address of Barr. Julius Abure.

“Mr Abure is hereby warned to desist from parading himself as the National Chairman of the Labour Party or impersonating the office in any form.

The apex court of the land has clearly and finally nullified his claim to leadership, and his tenure has long expired.

“His continued acts of reckless denigration of party leadership and open hostility towards the party will attract severe sanctions.”

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JUST IN: Confusion as Lagos council chairman, Kolade Alabi, slumps at APC meeting (Photos)

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The Chairman of Bariga Local Government Area of Lagos State, Kolade Alabi, on Wednesday, suddenly slumped at the All Progressives Congress stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s Secretariat in Ikeja, the state capital.

Alabi, who is the state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, was addressing party members when the sad incident happened.

Fortunately, he was subsequently revived and rushed away to the hospital in an ambulance for further treatment.

See photos below.

Details later….

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JUST IN: Labour Party suspends Otti, Nwokocha, Kingibe, others

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The Labour Party has announced the indefinite suspension of six prominent members, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senators Darlington Nwokocha and Ireti Kingibe, over alleged anti-party activities.

Others suspended are Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowumi.

The party’s National Executive Council said the decision followed the recommendations of a five-man Disciplinary Committee set up on May 2, 2025, to probe allegations of anti-party conduct.

In a statement signed by the National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, on Wednesday, the party said the suspension takes immediate effect and bars the affected members from participating in any Labour Party activities.

The statement read, “Recall that last Friday, 2nd of May 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party set up a Five man Disciplinary Committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr.Ayo Olorunfemi, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the National Secretary and three others to investigate Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti and any other party members over allegations of anti party activities.

“The Disciplinary Committee has concluded their assignment and has submitted their report to the party leadership.

The National Executive of the party met today May 7th, 2025 and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the Party Constitution has ratified the recommendation as submitted by the Disciplinary Committee.

“Consequent upon that, the following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely and with immediate effect.

1. Dr. Alex Otti;

2. Senator Ireti Kingibe;

3. Senator Darlington Nwokocha;

4. Hon. Victor Afam Ogene;

5. Hon. Amobi Ogah;

6. Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.”

The party also addressed the omission of Nenadi Usman from the suspension list, stating that she is not a registered member of the Labour Party, but a supporter of its 2023 presidential candidate.

“We are aware that she is a member of the Obidient Support group that worked and is still working for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate.

We will therefore not honour her with any sanction being not a member of the party,” the statement added.

It also accused Usman of lacking the moral authority to comment on corruption, citing her alleged plea bargain with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and purported asset forfeitures.

“She should also tell Nigerians how she acquired her radio station in Kaduna, all her properties all over Nigeria and abroad, her companies in Cameroon, including her plantations.

Nenadi Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its stance on political alliances, the Labour Party said it would not join any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as stand alone party and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter,” the statement concluded

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