Prof. Patrick Utomi, the convener of Big Tent has said that the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government is set to deepen Nigeria’s democracy, and ensure that the emphasis of governance returns to the people.
He stated this in his remarks at the inauguration of the Big Tent coalition Shadow Government in Lagos yesterday, stressing that much seems rooted in politics and positioning for elections that service to the people seems to be a forgotten proposition.
While expressing displeasure over the decline of Nigeria’s democracy, Utomi, lamented over the recent spate of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that it has provided further evidence that all isn’t well with democracy in Nigeria.
“It’s clear that politicians who fear prosecution for financial crimes against humanity, and the Nigerian people, who are ravaged by poverty brought to them by poor governance, corruption of politicians, and lack of accountability, are running into a room where their crimes can be swept under the carpet with a broom that has allowed many who should be in jail to be in positions of authority.
“These reversals of the essence of democracy are now symptomatic of extant Nigerian experience. Yet the Afrobarometer measures, year after year, from their surveys of Nigerians, indicate we desire democracy but are frustrated that democracy is being subverted in the reality of current experience.
“The imperative is that if a genuine opposition doesn’t courageously identify the performance failures of incumbents, offer options, and influence culture in a counter direction it’ll be complicit in subverting the will of the people.
He spoke on insecurity, saying that the security situation in the country requires close attention. “In many parts of Benue and Plateau people have deserted their homes and whole communities have fled rampaging terrorists”
The Professor bared his mind on the issue of community police. He noted that policing is a local function. “We’ll travel further if we get the communities to have their own armed and well-trained police forces upon which will be layered State police and a Federal National Guard. It appears the corruption ‘benefit’ of centralization is fanning rationalization of centralization”
He also stressed on the importance of economic growth, which according to him, is the desperate need to stimulate production.
“That depends so much on how entrepreneurship sprouts from policy, spurning value chains where production can result in quantum leaps in value creation.”
Speaking further, he said, “Let me begin by pointing out three unique features of this shadow cabinet. These are the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio to be manned by Dele Farotimi; and the policy Delivery Unit team of Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo and Obi Ajuga.The third is a council of economic advisers.”
The shadow cabinet members include: Dr. Adefolusade Adebayo, Arch Dr Peter Agadah, Dr Sadiq Gombe, Chibuzor Nwachukwu, Salvation Alibor, Bilkisu Magoro, Dr Victor Tubo, Charles Odibo. Eunice Atuejide and Gbenga Ajayi.
Others are, Dr. Mani Ibrahim Ahmad, Bar. Peter Iyiola Oyewole, Amb. Lilliane S, Dr. Omano Edigheji, Sidi Nasser Ali l, Ibrahim Abdukarim, Nuhu Yakubu, Adenike Oriola
Bar. Promise Adewusi, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie and Dr Victor Tubo.
Also included in the team are, Mr. Ambrose Obimma, Prince Rwang Pam Jnr., Dr. Kingsley Anedo, Prof Auwal Aliyu, Dr Ghazali Ado, Ms. Nana Kazaure, Aisha Yusuf, Dr Otive Igbuzor, Dr Charles Gilbert and Olujimi Akiboh.
“Today, I bring to this pioneer body the desperate cries of a people troubled by how their reality seems bound for serfdom, and challenge you to wake up these people who think all is well if they can just manage for themselves a share in what little still trickles down from Crude Oil sales.
“The very important subject of Constitution reform will be coordinated by Wale Okunniyi, while Prof Chris Ogbechie will lead the central initiative of a culturing the Spirit of Enterprise
“I want to urge you to remain ever focused on the need for civility in public conversation. Stay with issues no matter how hard to make it ad hominem. Also be mindful that our compass has a developmental state as its true North.
“Dr. Omano Edigheji is here to encourage that path so never let their reaction distract you from the focus. Reflect on the point made by the AfDB President that GDP per capita in Nigeria at $824 is worse than at Independence in 1960 and the comparison of Nigeria and Quatar by PLO Lumumba to motivate passionate commitment to this sacrificial assignment.”
