ShadowNigeria News

Institutions, Politics and Development: Mobilizing Idea-led Opposition Politics
(09.11.2007)
By Jide Akintunde
"To some of his critics, the all-important role Prof. Pat Utomi is currently playing as the arrow-head of an idea-driven opposition to the present government does not count. So they continue to insist that he is politically inexperienced, "without what it takes to ruin (or is it rule) Nigeria." From the 'established politicians', he is confronted with the cynical question - "what does he want"? However, there have been genuine concerns for the safety of the political-economist, teacher, entrepreneur and social worker as he ventures to 'challenge' the policies of President Musa Yar'Adua, and keep him on his toes. But President Yar'Adua is not a threat to a principled position or action."
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Pat Utomi Speaks On His Planned Shadow Government
(11.10.2007)
By Uche Nworah

"Professor Pat Utomi, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the April 2007 Nigerian presidential elections speaks about his plans to set up a shadow government in Nigeria in this interview with Uche Nworah. He also shares his views on his assessment of the Yar’Adua government and point the way forward out of Nigeria’s current socio-political challenges."
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Utomi Unveils Colours of the Opposition
(11.01.2008)
By News Hound

"The failure of the Election Tribunals to quickly dispose of the numerous petitions trailing the 2007 elections will no longer continue to delay formal inauguration of the Shadow Cabinet of the Rainbow coalition of opposition political parties." ADC Presidential Candidate and Coalition Coordinator, Prof. Pat Utomi declared in Lagos today while also disclosing 25th of January the date of the formal kickoff meeting of the shadow cabinet in Abuja. Prof. Utomi spoke on the way to an East Asian tour where he hopes to persuade business leaders that Nigeria is ready for major infrastructure investments and manufacturing sector resurrection. Acknowledging improved conditions for democratic conduct in Nigeria since the exit of the last government, Utomi praised President Yar'Adua for promoting the rule of law and welcomed Yar'Adua's desire to see a viable opposition.
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Reflections One Year After
(29.05.2008)
By Pat Utomi

"A year ago today our country went through yet another transition. It was celebrated as a Civilian to Civilian transition, without precedent. Even though the transition was marked by disputed elections and crisis of legitimacy, we embarked on a journey of hope. The question today is how well we have walked the path of hope this last one year. Even if a review of press reports and street commentary suggest despondency, informed critique and responsible opposition ethos require that our reflection be sober, fair minded, and focused on nation building, especially on our desperate need to ensure the ascendancy of progress-sustaining values and the building of institutions which set boundaries for acceptable conduct. Our view on the state of the nation this May 29th includes reviews of progress or lack thereof in the Power Sector, Petroleum Resources, Infrastructure, Rule of Law Security, Education, Health Care, Niger Delta, Urban Development, Electoral Reforms and the Economy."
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