The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the Minister of Works, David Umahi, pending the outcome of an independent investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences.
The opposition party said the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death have generated widespread public concern and require an open and impartial inquiry capable of restoring confidence in the government’s commitment to justice and accountability.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the party urged the President to take decisive action by ordering an independent inquest into the incident.
The statement read, “The Allied People’s Movement demands that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saves the image of the nation and the integrity of the Nigerian government by immediately suspending the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, and order an open, independent and transparent inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila.”
Mary Habila died on June 27 at a staff accommodation facility linked to the Minister of Works in Ebonyi State, an incident that has continued to generate intense public interest and calls for greater transparency.
Umahi has consistently maintained that he has no connection with the circumstances surrounding the death and has publicly backed a forensic autopsy to determine its exact cause. His legal team also requested the Ebonyi State Police Command to ensure a thorough post-mortem examination before the body is released for burial.
The minister’s lawyers further clarified that Habila was residing in accommodation designated for staff members and associates, rather than in the minister’s private residence, while insisting that the investigation should be transparent and comprehensive.
However, the deceased’s family has approached an Ebonyi State High Court seeking to halt the proposed autopsy requested by the police, arguing that they do not suspect any foul play. Despite the legal action, police authorities have continued with their investigation into the matter.
Reacting to the development, the APM argued that only an independent inquiry would adequately address the concerns raised by Nigerians and reinforce public trust in the administration.
According to the party, “It also risks eroding public confidence in the Tinubu administration’s commitment to justice, accountability and the sanctity of human life.”
The opposition party maintained that lingering questions surrounding the incident should be answered through a credible and impartial process.
“Our party seeks an inquest that answers critical questions in the minds of Nigerians,” the statement said.
The APM further argued that the President has a constitutional and moral obligation to demonstrate that holders of public office are subject to the rule of law like every other citizen.
It stated, “The APM demands nothing short of a transparent, impartial and independent inquest that will uncover the truth, ensure justice for Mary Habila and restore public confidence in the administration’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law.”
The party also extended its condolences to the deceased’s family, pledging to continue advocating for justice.
“The APM, as the party of the people, deeply commiserates with Mary’s family and reassures of our commitment to ensure that justice is done,” the statement added.
The death of Mary Habila has remained a subject of national attention, with civil society groups, political organisations and other stakeholders calling for an independent investigation even as police continue efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.
(Ripples)
