Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called on 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.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation also described calls in some quarters for the minister to resign or step aside over the incident as premature, insisting that no one should be judged before the facts are established.
In a statement on Friday, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ezechi Chukwu, on behalf of the President-General, Senator Azuta Mbata, Ohanaeze expressed sorrow over Habila’s death and extended condolences to her family.
The statement read in part, “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.”
Ohanaeze also cautioned politicians, pressure groups and public commentators against turning the tragedy into a political issue.
“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,” it stated.
The organisation noted that Umahi had already requested a comprehensive forensic autopsy and investigation to determine the actual cause and circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
It described the minister’s position as responsible, stressing that every suspicious or unexplained death should be subjected to a professional and transparent investigation.
Ohanaeze said it fully supports the ongoing probe by the relevant authorities and expressed confidence that it would be conducted impartially and professionally.
“The outcome of such investigation should be guided solely by facts, scientific evidence and due process,” the statement added.
On demands for the minister’s resignation, the group insisted that such calls were unjustified at this stage.
“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 organisation further reminded Nigerians that the country’s legal system is founded on the principle of the presumption of innocence.
“Nigeria remains a nation governed by the rule of law and the constitutional principle that every citizen is presumed innocent until proven otherwise,” it added.
Ohanaeze therefore appealed to Nigerians to allow investigators to carry out their work without interference and to avoid spreading speculative narratives capable of undermining public confidence in the investigative process.
It added that its thoughts and prayers remain with Habila’s family, expressing hope that the investigation would establish the truth and ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law.
