Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to step aside while investigations continue into the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila.
Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, died on June 27 at a residence linked to the minister in Ebonyi State.
In a statement shared on his X account on Thursday, Atiku sympathised with Habila’s family and called for a transparent, independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
“I have followed with deep sorrow and mounting concern the reports surrounding the death of Miss Mary Habila, a 26-year-old Nigerian from Nok, Southern Kaduna.
“First, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Habila family. No family should have to mourn a daughter taken in the prime of her life while also fighting simply to learn the truth of how she died,” he said.
The former vice president stressed that he was not accusing anyone but insisted that only a credible and impartial investigation could establish the facts.
“Let me be clear: I make no pronouncement on anyone’s guilt or innocence. That is precisely the point. Only a credible, independent, and transparent investigation can establish the truth,” he said.
Atiku argued that because the case involves a senior government official, the authorities must ensure public confidence in the investigation.
“A government’s first duty is the protection of life. Where a life is lost in circumstances touching a high official of state, the burden on government to act transparently is at its heaviest,” he said.
He called on President Tinubu to direct Umahi to temporarily step aside until the investigation is concluded.
“President Bola Tinubu must direct the Honourable Minister of Works to step aside immediately, pending the conclusion of investigations. This is not a punishment; it is the minimum standard of public accountability in any serious democracy,” Atiku stated.
He also urged the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation to the Force Headquarters with the involvement of independent forensic experts.
“The Inspector-General of Police must immediately transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Command to Force Headquarters, with the involvement of independent forensic experts,” he said.
Atiku further demanded an independent autopsy with the findings made public and called for adequate protection for Habila’s family throughout the investigation.
“The family of Mary Habila must be protected from any pressure, inducement, or intimidation, and must be guaranteed unfettered access to the facts of their daughter’s death,” he added.
He concluded by saying that public officials must be held accountable, regardless of their position.
“The measure of a nation is how it responds when the powerful are touched by tragedy and the powerless demand truth,” he said.
