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
Breaking News: FHC Sacks Wole Oluyede, Ekiti PDP flag bearer
In his ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice Babs Kuewumi upheld the concerns of irregularities raised by Funso Ayeni during the exercise.
A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State has sacked Wole Oluyede as the governorship flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ordered a rerun of the party’s primary election.
In his ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice Babs Kuewumi upheld the concerns of irregularities raised by Funso Ayeni during the exercise.
Recall that Ayeni had challenged the process, citing questionable manipulation of the approved delegate list on the day of the election.
The court found that the gross abuse of process, disregard for electoral guidelines, and violation of the fundamental principles governing the Peoples Democratic Party were inconsistent with both party rules and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which binds all individuals and institutions without exception and ordered a rerun of the party’s primary election.
Politics
Wike: The Minister Who’s Not Afraid of Tinubu’s Sack
“If my appointor believes that I cannot offer anything again, he has the right. It’s not that you should tell him,” said Wike.
• Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, declared that he is not afraid to be sacked by President Bola Tinubu from his cabinet.
This was his reaction to some of his critics including a coalition of leaders within the All Progressives Congress (APC), operating under the APC Leaders Forum (ALF), calling for his removal as a nonmember of the ruling party cum his recent hostility towards the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, following his recent defection to the APC.
The coalition cited alleged insubordination, anti-party activities, and threats to national unity as grounds for removing Wike from office.
While speaking during a “thank you” visit to Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Wike clapped back at his critics, insisting that Tinubu can sack him if he desires.
“If my appointor believes that I cannot offer anything again, he has the right. It’s not that you should tell him,” said Wike.
The minister added that the reason his name is on the lips of many, including his critics, is due to the commendable works he is executing as minister.
“I am proud, and Rivers people are proud, and we can tell Nigerians that we have not disappointed them as far as FCT is concerned.
I said it yesterday in port harcourt. and i want people to know this clearly. if you are not doing well, nobody will talk about you. but because we are doing well, people must talk about us.”
News
BREAKING: Rivers State Assembly Commences Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara and Deputy
The Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, citing allegations of gross misconduct.
During Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Majority Leader Hon. Major Jack presented a notice invoking Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution. He outlined seven points of alleged gross misconduct against Governor Fubara, including:
– Demolition of the Assembly Complex
– Extra-budgetary spending
– Withholding funds allocated to the Assembly Service Commission
– Refusal to comply with Supreme Court rulings on financial autonomy for the legislature
The notice was reportedly signed by 26 lawmakers.
Speaker Amaewhule announced that the formal impeachment notice would be served on Governor Fubara within the next seven days, in accordance with constitutional procedures.
In the same session, Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Linda Stewart tabled a separate notice against Deputy Governor Odu, accusing her of:
1. Reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds
2. Obstructing the House of Assembly from performing its constitutional duties
3. Conniving to allow unauthorized persons to occupy offices without proper screening by the legitimate Assembly
4. Seeking budgetary approval from an unauthorized group instead of the recognized Rivers State House of Assembly
5. Seizure of salaries and allowances due to the Assembly and its Service Commission.
This development marks a fresh escalation in the protracted political crisis in Rivers State, amid ongoing tensions over legislative autonomy, budget processes, and governance.
The Assembly’s actions come against the backdrop of previous impeachment attempts and disputes involving the executive and legislature.
No immediate response has been issued from the governor’s office.
Insurgency: US Military supplies Nigeria with weapons to combat terrorism
NELFUND releases N161.97bn student loans to more than 864,000 students
Breaking News: FHC Sacks Wole Oluyede, Ekiti PDP flag bearer
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Health3 days agoEuracare Hospital replies Chimamanda Adichie, Clarifying Nkanu’s Death
-
Health2 days ago
Chimamanda Drags Euracare Hospital to Court Over Son’s Death
-
Sports3 days agoAFCON 2025: Billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu promises Super Eagles Over USD1.5m if they win Semifinal
-
Sports3 days agoSuper Eagles beat Algeria 2–0, Atiku,Obi applaud the team
-
News16 hours agoAkran of Badagry’s burial rites begin with restrictions on movement
-
Sports1 day agoLagos Celebrates Historic Success of Inaugural EKO 170 Gran Fondo.
-
Sports16 hours ago
Odegbami predicts Super Eagles will defeat Morocco in semi-final clash
-
Politics1 day agoWike: The Minister Who’s Not Afraid of Tinubu’s Sack