Ohanaeze Pushes Back Against Calls for Umahi’s Resignation Over Mary Habila’s Death, Says They Are Unjustified

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has described calls for the resignation of the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, over the death of Miss Mary Habila as premature and lacking sufficient justification.

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, the organisation said while Habila's death was tragic and deserved a thorough investigation, it would be unfair to draw political conclusions before the relevant authorities establish the facts.

Ohanaeze expressed condolences to Habila's family, friends and colleagues, urging Nigerians to remain calm and avoid comments capable of prejudicing ongoing investigations or fuelling unnecessary public anxiety.

The group also cautioned political actors, pressure groups and commentators against exploiting the incident for political or sectional interests, stressing that the loss of a human life should not become a tool for political contestation.

According to Chukwu, the circumstances surrounding Habila's death require a professional, transparent and impartial investigation guided by evidence rather than public sentiment.

He commended Umahi for supporting a comprehensive forensic investigation and autopsy to determine the cause and circumstances of the nurse's death, saying such an approach demonstrates a commitment to uncovering the truth.

Ohanaeze also expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation by relevant authorities and urged investigators to carry out their assignment without interference.

"The outcome of the investigation should be guided solely by facts, scientific evidence and due process," Chukwu said.

Responding directly to growing calls for Umahi to step aside from office, the organisation maintained that there was currently no legal or factual basis for such demands.

"The mere fact that death occurred within the premises where an individual resides or is present does not, in itself, establish culpability or warrant demands for resignation.

"Such an unfortunate occurrence could happen in any person's home or environment, and responsibility can only be determined through a credible investigation based on evidence," Chukwu stated.

He added that Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law, where every citizen is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

According to him, imposing political consequences before investigations are concluded would undermine the principles of justice, fairness and due process.

"It would therefore be inconsistent with the ideals of justice and fairness to impose political consequences before the relevant authorities have concluded their investigations and established the facts," he added.

Ohanaeze urged Nigerians to allow investigators to complete their work and avoid speculative narratives capable of undermining public confidence in state institutions or prejudicing the search for justice.

The organisation expressed hope that the investigation would establish the true circumstances surrounding Habila's death, provide her family with the answers they deserve and ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family of Miss Mary Habila.

"We trust that the ongoing investigation will uncover the truth, provide the family with the answers they deserve and ensure that justice, guided by evidence and due process, is ultimately served," the statement concluded.