The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has urged Nigerians to remain calm and allow security agencies to conclude investigations into the death of Mary Habila, a member of the medical support team attached to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
Ohanaeze also described calls for Umahi to resign or step aside over the incident as premature, maintaining that responsibility can only be determined after a thorough investigation.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ezechi Chukwu, on behalf of the President-General, Senator Azuta Mbata, the organisation expressed condolences to the family, friends and associates of the deceased.
Ohanaeze said, “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. We pray that Almighty God grants her eternal rest and gives her family the strength and fortitude to bear this heartbreaking loss.
“We urge Nigerians to treat the matter with compassion. They should desist from comments capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigation.
“This unfortunate incident involves the loss of a human life and, as such, deserves to be treated with the utmost dignity and compassion.
“It is therefore imperative that all Nigerians exercise restraint and avoid actions or utterances capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigation or causing unnecessary public anxiety.”
The organisation cautioned politicians, pressure groups and public commentators against politicising the incident.
Ohanaeze said, “Matters involving the loss of human life should never be exploited for political advantage or sectional interests. Such conduct neither serves the cause of justice nor honours the memory of the deceased.”
The group noted that Umahi had already directed that a comprehensive forensic autopsy and investigation be conducted to determine the actual cause and circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
According to Ohanaeze, the minister’s decision to request a forensic investigation was a responsible step, stressing that every suspicious or unexplained death should be subjected to a transparent and professional investigation.
The organisation also declared its support for the ongoing investigation by the relevant authorities, expressing confidence that the process would be conducted fairly and professionally.
Ohanaeze added, “The outcome of such investigation should be guided solely by facts, scientific evidence and due process.”
On calls for the minister to resign, the organisation insisted that such demands were not justified at this stage of the investigation.
Ohanaeze said, “In the same vein, 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.
“The mere fact that a death occurred within the premises where an individual resides or is present does not, in itself, establish culpability or warrant demands for resignation.
“Such an unfortunate occurrence could happen in any person’s home or environment, and responsibility can only be determined through a credible investigation based on evidence.”
The group further reminded Nigerians that the country’s legal system is anchored on the principle that every citizen is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Ohanaeze said, “Nigeria remains a nation governed by the rule of law and the constitutional principle that every citizen is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.”
The organisation appealed to Nigerians to allow investigators to carry out their assignment without interference and to refrain from spreading speculative narratives capable of undermining confidence in the investigative process.
It added that its thoughts and prayers remain with Habila’s family and expressed hope that the investigation would establish the truth behind her death and ensure justice is served in accordance with the law.
Submit a Press Release | Advertise With Fresh News | Contact Us
