Atiku Asks Tinubu To Suspend Works Minister Umahi Over Death Of 26-yr-old Nurse
Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to step aside pending the conclusion of investigations into the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila.
In a statement posted on his social media handles on Thursday, Atiku expressed sympathy to Habila's family but accused the Federal Government of failing to demonstrate transparency and urgency in handling the case.
"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 argued that the circumstances surrounding Habila's death at Umahi's private residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, demanded an independent and transparent investigation.
He criticised what he described as the Federal Government's silence over the incident, alleging that there had been no official assurances to Nigerians despite the public attention generated by the case.
"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, and it is the refusal of the Federal Government to guarantee such an investigation that constitutes the scandal before us," Atiku stated.
According to him, "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 further alleged that the Tinubu administration had treated the incident with indifference, saying, "If the death of a young Nigerian woman in a Minister's residence cannot stir this government to act, then Nigerians must ask: whose life, exactly, does this government value?"
Atiku called on President Tinubu to direct Umahi to temporarily vacate office while investigations continue, insisting that such a move would not amount to a declaration of guilt but rather reflect the principles of accountability.
"This is not a punishment; it is the minimum standard of public accountability in any serious democracy. No official under this cloud should preside over a federal ministry as though it were business as usual," he said.
He also demanded that the Inspector-General of Police transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters and involve independent forensic experts to enhance public confidence in the process.
In addition, Atiku urged authorities to ensure that "a full, independent, and internationally credible autopsy" is conducted without further delay and that the findings are made public.
He further called for the protection of Habila's family from "any pressure, inducement, or intimidation," while guaranteeing them unrestricted access to information relating to the investigation.
"The measure of a nation is how it responds when the powerful are touched by tragedy and the powerless demand truth," he said.
"Mary Habila was somebody's daughter, somebody's sister, a young professional with her life ahead of her. She was a Nigerian. Her death must not be reduced to a footnote of political convenience."
The death of Habila, who reportedly died at Umahi's residence on June 27, remains under police investigation. The minister has denied any wrongdoing and has repeatedly called for an autopsy to establish the exact cause of death.
Meanwhile, the father of late nurse, Tanko Habila Wisdom, on behalf of the family rejected plans for the autopsy, announcing. withdrawal from further investigation into her death.