Habila’s death: Ohanaeze backs probe, rejects calls for Umahi’s resignation

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called for calm and urged Nigerians to allow security agencies to complete their investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a member of the medical support team for the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi. The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization also dismissed calls for the minister's resignation as premature, emphasizing that no one should be judged before the facts are fully established.

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We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and loved ones over this painful and irreparable loss. The death of such a young and promising Nigerian is a tragedy to all men and women of good conscience. We pray that Almighty God grants her eternal rest and gives her family the strength and fortitude to bear this heartbreaking loss.

In a statement released on Friday, Ohanaeze expressed deep sorrow over Habila's death and extended condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. The organization described the loss of the "young and promising Nigerian" as a tragedy and prayed for her eternal rest and for strength for her grieving family. They urged the public to approach the matter with compassion and refrain from comments that could prejudice the ongoing investigation.

Ohanaeze stressed the importance of treating the incident, which involves the loss of a human life, with the utmost dignity and compassion. The group cautioned politicians, pressure groups, and public commentators against exploiting the tragedy for political gain or sectional interests, stating that such actions do not serve justice or honor the deceased's memory.

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We urge Nigerians to treat the matter with compassion. They should desist from comments capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigation.

The organization noted that Minister Umahi has already requested a comprehensive forensic autopsy and investigation to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding Habila's death. Ohanaeze described the minister's response as responsible, asserting that all suspicious or unexplained deaths warrant professional and transparent investigation. They affirmed their full support for the ongoing probe by relevant authorities, expressing confidence in an impartial and professional investigation guided solely by facts, scientific evidence, and due process.

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Matters involving the loss of human life should never be exploited for political advantage or sectional interests. Such conduct neither serves the cause of justice nor honours the memory of the deceased.

Regarding the demands for the minister's resignation, Ohanaeze reiterated that such calls are unjustified at this stage. The organization believes that judgment should be reserved until the investigation yields conclusive findings.

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In the same vein, we consider the calls in some quarters for the resignation or stepping aside of the Honourable Minister of Works to be p