Mary Habila: APM asks Tinubu to suspend Umahi, order independent probe

The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and initiate an independent investigation into the death of physiotherapist Mary Habila. The opposition party argues that such an inquiry is crucial to establishing the circumstances surrounding Habila's death and to reassure Nigerians about the government's commitment to accountability.

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The Allied People’s Movement demands that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saves the image of the nation and the integrity of the Nigerian government by immediately suspending the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, and order an open, independent and transparent inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila.

Mary Habila, a staff member at the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, died on June 27 in accommodation associated with the minister in Ebonyi State. While Umahi has supported a forensic autopsy and his lawyers clarified that Habila was staying in staff accommodation, not the minister's personal residence, her family has approached the Ebonyi State High Court to halt a police-requested autopsy, stating they do not suspect foul play. Police investigations are ongoing.

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It also risks eroding public confidence in the Tinubu administration’s commitment to justice, accountability and the sanctity of human life.

The APM's statement emphasized that an independent investigation would bolster public confidence in the administration's dedication to justice and accountability. The party believes that unanswered questions surrounding the incident require credible answers through an impartial process. They assert that President Tinubu has a responsibility to demonstrate that no public official is above the law, demanding a transparent inquest to uncover the truth and ensure justice for Mary Habila.

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Our party seeks an inquest that answers critical questions in the minds of Nigerians.