Renowned political economist and former presidential candidate, Professor Pat Utomi, has unveiled the members of his proposed shadow cabinet, aimed at offering policy alternatives and expert reviews of government decisions.
Utomi made the announcement on Wednesday after a two-day retreat of his shadow government movement, known as the “Big Tent,” held in Abuja.
According to him, the shadow cabinet is not set up to challenge or replace the current All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration, but to provide constructive feedback and independent policy reviews to help move Nigeria forward.
He listed members of the cabinet to include Nana Kazaure (Information), Riwang Pam (Security), Nike Omola (Women and Gender Development), and Peter Agada (Infrastructure, Urban Development and Housing).
Utomi stressed the importance of checks and balances in democratic governance and noted that the idea of a shadow government is widely accepted in many democracies.
“The progress of any government lies in ensuring the welfare of the people. An alternative view is healthy for any democracy,” he said.
He criticised some aspects of governance in Nigeria, especially the practice of lawmakers executing constituency projects. “Lawmakers are not meant to execute projects. Their role is to make laws and provide oversight. When they do otherwise, they become subservient to the executive,” he said.
Utomi recalled that he had discussed the shadow cabinet idea with late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007, who supported the idea and even offered him a role in his administration, which he declined.
He identified lack of political will and absence of a clear national strategy as the key problems of governance in Nigeria. Referring to the National Coastal Road Project, he said the initiative should have been a collaborative effort with states, not a unilateral federal decision.
Utomi also expressed concern over outdated agricultural policies, stating that Nigeria must embrace modern methods to boost food production and economic development.
On insecurity, he renewed the call for the establishment of state police to better address local security issues.
Welcoming the recent formation of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a coalition platform, Utomi said it would provide Nigerians with a genuine political alternative.
“The coalition is a work in progress that will use value-driven projects to move the country forward,” he said.