Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has urged Nigerians to remain calm and allow security agencies to complete their investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a member of the medical support team attached to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation also dismissed calls for the minister’s resignation or stepping aside as premature, stressing that no one should be prejudged before the facts are established.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ezechi Chukwu, on behalf of President-General Senator Azuta Mbata, Ohanaeze expressed deep sorrow over Habila’s death and extended condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.
“We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and loved ones over this painful and irreparable loss. The death of such a young and promising Nigerian is a tragedy to all men and women of good conscience,” the statement read in part.
Ohanaeze appealed to Nigerians to treat the matter with compassion and avoid comments that could prejudice the ongoing investigation. It cautioned against exploiting the tragedy for political or sectional gains.
The organisation noted that Minister Umahi had already called for a comprehensive forensic autopsy and thorough investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of Habila’s death, describing his position as responsible.
Ohanaeze said it fully supports the probe by relevant authorities and expressed confidence that it would be conducted impartially and professionally, with the outcome guided solely by facts, scientific evidence, and due process.
On demands for Umahi’s resignation, the group stated: “We consider the calls in some quarters for the resignation or stepping aside of the Honourable Minister of Works to be premature, unnecessary and without sufficient justification at this stage.”
It emphasised the principle of presumption of innocence under Nigeria’s legal system, noting that the mere occurrence of a death in someone’s premises does not automatically establish culpability.
Ohanaeze appealed to all parties to allow investigators to work without interference and to refrain from spreading speculative narratives that could undermine public confidence in the process. It prayed for justice to be served in accordance with the law.
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