From Marcus Nkire
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has pushed back against growing calls for the resignation of Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, following the death of his aide, Mary Habila, describing such demands as premature while investigations remain ongoing.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation said responsibility for Habila’s death cannot be determined until security agencies conclude their probe, urging Nigerians to allow investigators to carry out their work without interference.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ezechi Chukwu, on behalf of President-General Senator Azuta Mbata, Ohanaeze expressed condolences to Habila’s family and described her death as a tragic loss.
The group appealed to the public to avoid speculation or statements capable of influencing the investigation, stressing that the matter should be treated with compassion and respect for due process.
It also cautioned against turning the incident into a political contest, maintaining that cases involving the loss of life should not be exploited for partisan or sectional interests.
Ohanaeze noted that Umahi had already requested a forensic autopsy and comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, describing the move as appropriate.
The organisation said it has confidence that the relevant authorities will conduct a transparent and professional investigation based on evidence and the rule of law.
Rejecting demands for the minister to step aside, Ohanaeze argued that the mere occurrence of a death within premises associated with an individual does not automatically establish culpability or justify calls for resignation.
It further reiterated that Nigeria’s justice system is founded on the principle that every citizen is presumed innocent until proven guilty, urging the public to await the outcome of the investigation while expressing hope that justice will ultimately be served.
