Politics
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
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.”
Politics
Gov Fubara withdrawals from governorship race
Fubara cited the need for peace, unity, and stability in the state, adding that the silence maintained in recent weeks was deliberate and guided by the higher interest of the state.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress governorship primaries.
In a statement, the Governor said that the decision followed wide consultations with family, friends, and political associates, stressing that personal ambition must give way to the greater interest of Rivers people.
Fubara thanked supporters for their loyalty and sacrifices throughout the political journey, acknowledging the disappointment many may feel over the withdrawal.
Fubara cited the need for peace, unity, and stability in the state, adding that the silence maintained in recent weeks was deliberate and guided by the higher interest of the state.
While hinting at recent political developments, the Governor said that some issues were best handled quietly in the interest of peace, insisting the decision was not borne out of fear or weakness.
He also appreciated the APC leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support and encouragement, while urging party faithful to remain united and committed to the party ahead of the governorship election.
Politics
Tinubu Doesn’t Trust Me Because I’m Igbo’ — Cubana Chief Priest Opens Up on APC Reps Ticket Loss’
Popular Nigerian socialite and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, better known as Cubana Chief Priest, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu does not fully trust him due to his Igbo ethnicity and past support for Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election.
The celebrity barman made the revelation during a livestream with popular streamer Habeeb “Peller” Hamzat on Tuesday night, shortly after failing to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency in Imo State.
“Tinubu doesn’t really trust me because I’m an Igbo man and I worked for Peter Obi before,” Cubana Chief Priest said. “He looks at me with one eye because of that.”
He explained that he had previously supported Obi but switched allegiance, believing the Labour Party candidate was not positioned to win. Despite his close ties to the Tinubu family, including public association with the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, Cubana Chief Priest polled only 14 votes in the APC primary against the incumbent lawmaker, Canice Moore Nwachukwu.
The socialite, who serves as Imo State Coordinator of the City Boys Movement, downplayed the loss, insisting he had withdrawn from the race due to zoning arrangements after consultations with party leaders. He also revealed receiving special treatment from APC stakeholders, including a promise of a brand new car.
Cubana Chief Priest has urged young Nigerians to support President Tinubu and actively participate in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections. His comments have sparked widespread reactions online, with many debating issues of trust, ethnicity, and loyalty within the APC.
resents Economic Rescue and Security Blueprint
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday appeared before the Presidential Screening Panel of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of the party’s nomination process for the 2027 election.
The screening exercise, held in Abuja, saw Atiku present his credentials along with a comprehensive blueprint focused on economic revival and enhanced national security. He was accompanied by key allies including former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami.
A statement issued after the session by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described the exercise as smooth and productive. Atiku reportedly assured the panel of his commitment to tackling insecurity, unemployment, and economic hardship if given the party’s ticket.
The development comes on the same day the rival Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) cleared Peter Obi as its sole presidential aspirant, highlighting the ongoing realignment within Nigeria’s opposition ahead of 2027.
Atiku, who recently joined the ADC, is seen as one of the party’s frontrunners for the presidential ticket. The ADC is expected to hold its primaries in the coming days, with party leaders urging unity to mount a strong challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu.
Reactions have begun trailing in from across the political spectrum as major opposition figures position themselves for the next general election.
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