… says it aims to offer policy alternative, expert reviews of govt decisions
Renowned political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has set up 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.
He said 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.
Utomi 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).
He emphasized the importance of checks and balances in democratic governance, noting that the idea of a shadow government is widely accepted in many democracies.
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.
