The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to immediately step aside pending an independent investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist who reportedly died at the minister’s residence in Ebonyi State.
The party made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, citing growing public concerns over the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
Habila, who was on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works from David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, had traveled with a colleague to Umahi’s residence on June 26. She was found dead the following morning under conditions that have sparked widespread questions, including reports of blood stains and injuries.
The ADC emphasized the need for transparency, demanding a full autopsy and the public release of investigation findings conducted outside the influence of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
“Every Nigerian life matters. But when a citizen dies in the home of a serving cabinet minister, the matter immediately transcends private tragedy and becomes a question of public accountability. The only acceptable response in a constitutional democracy is a thorough, transparent and independent investigation that commands public confidence,” the party stated.
The opposition party further questioned the circumstances of Habila’s presence at the residence and alleged that the President Bola Tinubu administration has repeatedly shielded senior officials from scrutiny, leading to declining public confidence in accountability mechanisms.
“The least that should be expected is that the Minister, Senator David Umahi, should immediately step aside from office pending the conclusion of an independent investigation,” the statement added.
The ADC expressed condolences to Habila’s family and insisted that only an impartial probe could establish the facts and restore trust.
Umahi has reportedly expressed shock over the incident and called for an autopsy, while family members are reportedly proceeding with burial plans amid the ongoing investigations. The case has drawn parallels to previous controversies linked to projects under Umahi’s oversight in Ebonyi State.
This development adds to the growing calls for accountability in high-profile cases involving government officials.
