Professor Pat Utomi, a prominent political economist, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration for what he describes as an attempt to suppress free speech, calling it "an act of cowardice."

Utomi's remarks on Friday came in response to a lawsuit filed against him by the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The security agency has accused the economist of attempting to undermine President Tinubu's executive authority by establishing what it terms a "shadow government."

In a social media post addressing the legal action, Utomi stated: "To stifle freedom of expression and bully civilized expression of difference is an act of cowardice and treachery to the constitution of Nigeria. What many people cannot figure out is how we got here. However we did, patriots from the six zones of Nigeria must rise to reject this."

The case, filed under number FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, features the DSS being represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Akinlolu Kehinde. The agency argues that Utomi's initiative constitutes a serious breach of the Constitution and undermines the authority of the democratically elected government.

According to court documents, the DSS described the alleged shadow cabinet as an unregistered and unauthorized entity attempting to replicate executive functions. The agency detailed that the structure reportedly includes a portfolio for Ombudsman and Good Governance led by Dele Farotimi, a Policy Delivery Unit comprising several individuals, and a Council of Economic Advisers.

The security agency warned that such a formation could potentially spark political instability, heighten inter-group tensions, and encourage separatist movements. In its filing, the DSS cited Sections 1(1), 1(2), and 14(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution to emphasize that only bodies established through lawful, democratic means are recognized under Nigerian law.

The DSS is seeking a court declaration that Utomi's shadow cabinet is unconstitutional, null, and void, along with a perpetual injunction to prevent him and his associates from establishing or operating any such parallel governance structure.

In an affidavit submitted to the court, the agency maintained that intelligence reports indicate Professor Utomi's actions present a "clear and present danger" to national stability. The DSS also stated that efforts by the government, including interventions by the Minister of Information, to discourage Utomi had been ignored.

Meanwhile, former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore has weighed in on the controversy during an appearance on Inside Sources, a programme on Channels Television. While criticizing the shadow government initiative as lacking impact, Sowore expressed support for any effort that draws attention to Nigeria's socio-political issues.

"How do you replace a shadow government with another set of shadowy figures?" Sowore questioned. He added, "I won't fault anyone trying to offer solutions that raise public awareness but I don't believe creating a so-called shadow government with a list of self-appointed individuals makes any real impact."

As of the time of reporting, no date has been set for the hearing of the case.