Renowned political economist and Director of the Commonwealth Institute for Advanced Professional Studies (CIAPS) in Lagos, Prof. Anthony Kila, has publicly expressed his support for the shadow cabinet recently unveiled by Prof. Pat Utomi.

Prof. Pat Utomi, leader of the Big Tent Coalition and a respected economist, launched the shadow government earlier this month, describing it as a “national emergency response” to address what he perceives as the worsening economic and security conditions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

To those asking what I think about the recent launching of the shadow cabinet in Nigeria, let me be clear, I not only see nothing wrong in the idea, I fully support it. 

Prof. Kila, a prominent public affairs commentator and professor of strategy and development, made his stance clear while speaking at the Cambridge African Round Table (CARt), an international platform dedicated to fostering dialogue and research on African and global issues.

He stated unequivocally that he sees no issue with the initiative and fully supports it. Addressing concerns that the shadow cabinet is inappropriate for Nigeria’s presidential system, Prof. Kila argued that it should be viewed as an original and potentially beneficial idea.

He attributed the formation of the shadow cabinet to the perceived inactivity and disarray within the existing opposition, suggesting it is a necessary injection of fresh perspectives.

Prof. Kila also cautioned the shadow cabinet against becoming merely a platform for rhetoric. He urged them to diligently establish themselves as a reliable and valuable source of alternative policies that can positively impact both the government and the Nigerian populace.