“I Submit Willing Like A Lamb Led To Slaughter, Death Is No Big Deal” – Pat Utomi Replies DSS

Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy, says he’s receiving overwhelming support from across Nigeria after the Department of State Services (DSS) filed a legal case against him.

The DSS suit came shortly after Utomi launched the “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government” on May 5, a platform designed to challenge the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The shadow government aims to serve as an alternative voice, questioning government policies and offering different solutions to national problems.

Utomi has described the initiative as a response to what he calls a “national emergency” caused by the current federal leadership.

The shadow cabinet includes a mix of professionals and activists, among them human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, who is responsible for the ombudsman and governance portfolio.

The project has faced criticism from both the federal government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). And on May 14, the DSS filed charges against Utomi in connection with the initiative.

Responding via his X page on Friday, Utomi said he’s encouraged by the flood of support, stressing that some of his supporters are planning to assemble 500 lawyers to defend him in court.

“I am heartened by messages of solidarity from across Nigeria on this shadowy business of chasing shadows of shadow cabinets. Reminds me of the Nigeria I used to know,” he wrote.

“I want to thank all. It’s energizing some want to put together 500 lawyers to defend me against the DSS,” he wrote.

Utomi also recalled how, during the Abacha military regime, he helped organize a major conference on Nigeria’s democratic future at St. Leo’s in Ikeja.

He referenced that era to show how civic resistance in Nigeria is nothing new — and how attempts to silence dissent have long been part of the country’s political history.

“It was put as a question: Is this how democracy dies in Nigeria. The answer is in the affirmative. This is how democracy died in Nigeria. Where citizens cannot organize themselves to ask questions of their agents,” he wrote.

“Under Abacha we brought Nigerians together at St. Leo in Ikeja for a conference on the future of Nigeria. I chaired the planning which came out of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria on the watch of then Fr. Kukah and Ehusani. Now for shadowing democracy hell comes.”

Utomi made it clear that he will not be hiding, noting that he plans to return to Nigeria on June 12, and will head straight to the late MKO Abiola’s residence.

“Where am I? Will arrive on June 12 and head to Abiola’s residence. My hands are primed for handcuffs and if the Aquino treatment from Marcos, bullet at the Airport is preferred, I submit willing like a lamb led to slaughter,” he said.

He added that he’s lost four close friends recently and isn’t afraid of death. In a direct jab at President Tinubu, Utomi suggested that even powerful leaders aren’t exempt from mortality.

Utomi wrote, “Death is no big deal. 4 of my friends are in the morgue.

“What is certain is that Tinubu will not escape that same fate. He may have been in London when I faced the assassins under Abacha and been the supplier to Chief Enahoro and NADECO abroad of reports of my position on matters of the struggle but we all ultimately go the way of man.

Reflecting on historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and St. Thomas More, Utomi said he remains committed to standing for freedom.

“To the Spirit of Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jnr, Nelson Mandela and the holy watch of St. Thomas Moore I raise the meaning of being for what is left of my time on this stage.

“I remember the showman of Science, Carl Sagan, as the NASA orbiter turned its camera to earth for the final time.

“A spec of dust, home to tyrants who have threatened Rivers of Blood; and also to all those we have loved. I am emboldened to chant Freedom now, if we die we die,” he added.

KanyiDaily recalls that Professor Pat Utomi recently announced that he has no plans to run for any public office in Nigeria again.