Ohanaeze Urges Calm Over Mary Habila’s Death, Says Calls for Umahi’s Resignation Are Premature

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has appealed for calm following the death of Miss Mary Habila, a member of the medical support team attached to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, warning against speculation and premature demands for the minister’s resignation.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation described Habila’s death as a tragic loss and extended its condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, the group said the incident should be handled with dignity while investigators establish the facts surrounding her death.

Ohanaeze urged politicians, pressure groups and public commentators to avoid turning the tragedy into a political issue, insisting that the loss of a human life should never be exploited for partisan or sectional interests. It stressed that such actions neither promote justice nor honour the memory of the deceased.

The organisation noted that Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, had already called for a forensic autopsy and a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death. It described the minister’s position as responsible and said every suspicious or unexplained death deserves a transparent, professional and evidence-based investigation.

Backing the ongoing police probe, Ohanaeze said it expects investigators to conduct their work independently, impartially and without interference. The group maintained that any conclusions should be based solely on scientific evidence, due process and the findings of the investigation.

The organisation also rejected calls from some quarters for Umahi to resign or temporarily step aside, describing such demands as premature. It argued that the mere fact that a death occurred within premises linked to an individual does not automatically establish responsibility or justify political consequences before investigations are completed.

Ohanaeze further reminded Nigerians that the country’s legal system is founded on the principle that every citizen is presumed innocent until proven guilty. It warned that rushing to judgment before the facts are established would undermine the rule of law and the pursuit of justice.

While expressing sympathy for Habila’s family, the organisation called on Nigerians to remain patient and allow investigators to complete their work. It said the ongoing investigation should ultimately provide the answers the family deserves and ensure that justice is served in line with the law.