Suspend Umahi pending probe into Mary Habila’s death, Atiku urges Tinubu

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend the Minister of Works, David Umahi, pending the outcome of investigations into the death of 26-year-old nurse Mary Habila. Habila died on June 27 in a residence reportedly linked to the minister in Ebonyi State.

“

I have followed with deep sorrow and mounting concern the reports surrounding the death of Miss Mary Habila, a 26-year-old Nigerian from Nok, Southern Kaduna. First, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Habila family. No family should have to mourn a daughter taken in the prime of her life while also fighting simply to learn the truth of how she died.

In a statement posted on his X account, Abubakar expressed deep sorrow over Habila's death and criticized the Federal Government's handling of the case, calling for a transparent and independent investigation. He extended condolences to Habila's family, emphasizing their right to know the truth about her death.

“

Let me be clear: I make no pronouncement on anyone’s guilt or innocence. That is precisely the point. Only a credible, independent, and transparent investigation can establish the truth.

Abubakar stressed that while he was not making any pronouncements on culpability, the circumstances surrounding Habila's death necessitate a credible inquiry. He argued that when a senior public official is involved in a death, the government bears a heightened responsibility to ensure public confidence in the investigative process. "A government's first duty is the protection of life. Where a life is lost in circumstances touching a high official of state, the burden on government to act transparently is at its heaviest," he stated.

“

A government's first duty is the protection of life. Where a life is lost in circumstances touching a high official of state, the burden on government to act transparently is at its heaviest.

The former presidential candidate called on President Tinubu to direct Minister Umahi to step aside temporarily, describing it as a "minimum standard of public accountability." He also urged the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Command to Force Headquarters, involve independent forensic experts, and conduct a full, independent autopsy with publicly released findings.

“

President Bola Tinubu must direct the Honourable Minister of Works to step aside immediately, pending the conclusion of investigations. This is not a punishment; it is the minimum standard of public accountability in any serious democracy.