By Chukwudi Obasi
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on Friday rejected calls for the suspension or resignation of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, over the death of a nurse, Mary Habila, at the minister’s residence in Ebonyi State, warning against what it described as attempts to politicise the incident.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation specifically faulted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s reported demand for Umahi’s suspension pending investigations into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death at the staff quarters of the minister’s residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
In a statement signed by its Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Ohanaeze described the calls as premature, politically motivated and inconsistent with the principles of justice and due process.
While acknowledging that every human life is sacred and every death deserves a thorough and transparent investigation, the organisation insisted that no individual should be condemned or sanctioned before the completion of investigations by relevant authorities.
“The death of Mary Habila is a tragedy and must not become a political tool of Atiku and the opposition,” the group said.
It added: “Umahi will not be intimidated into resignation while investigations are ongoing.”
Ohanaeze maintained that the Minister of Works would not abandon his constitutional responsibilities because of what it termed politically driven pressure, insisting that the rule of law must prevail over emotions, public sentiment and partisan interests.
“The recent call for Senator Umahi’s suspension and resignation is premature, politically motivated and inconsistent with the principles of justice, fairness and due process,” the statement added.
The organisation also raised concerns over what it described as selective outrage in national discourse, arguing that some tragedies attract immediate political condemnation while others are ignored or receive little attention.
It cited the 2022 killing of Christian student Deborah Samuel Yakubu in Sokoto following allegations of blasphemy and questioned why some political leaders who were silent during that incident were now demanding swift political consequences in the Habila case.
According to Ohanaeze, the sanctity of human life should not be determined by political convenience, ethnicity, religion or public pressure.
“The sanctity of human life must not be measured by political convenience, ethnic considerations, religious sentiments or public pressure. Everyone deserves equal dignity, justice and compassion,” it stated.
The group further warned against social media trials and demands for punishment without evidence, stressing that a democratic society must be guided by facts and the rule of law rather than mob pressure or political calculations.
Ohanaeze urged Atiku, northern youth groups and other interested parties to allow the police and other investigative agencies to carry out their duties without interference.
The organisation also extended condolences to the father of the deceased, Mr Tanko Habila Wisdom, the Habila family, the people of Southern Kaduna and Umahi over what it described as a painful and unfortunate incident.
“The appropriate response to tragedy is mourning, investigation and justice — not political opportunism. The family of the deceased deserves truth and closure, not a political battle that may distract from the real issues,” the statement said.
Ohanaeze commended Umahi for supporting an autopsy to determine the actual cause of Habila’s death, describing the move as evidence of his commitment to transparency and accountability.
While acknowledging reports that the deceased’s father had reservations about an autopsy on cultural grounds, the organisation maintained that lawful and professional procedures remained essential in establishing the truth.
“Justice requires facts, evidence and credible investigation rather than assumptions, accusations or political pressure,” it added.
The group reaffirmed its confidence in the country’s investigative institutions and expressed optimism that the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death would emerge through a credible, transparent and impartial process.
