ADC Breaks Silence on Mary Habila’s Death in Umahi’s Residence, Demands Probe
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for an independent investigation into the death of Mary Habila, who reportedly died at the official residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, demanding that the minister step aside pending the outcome of the probe.
In a statement obtained by Politics Nigeria on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death had raised serious questions that required a transparent and independent investigation.
According to the party, the death of a citizen in the residence of a serving cabinet minister is no longer a private matter but one that demands public accountability.
“The only acceptable response in a constitutional democracy is a thorough, transparent and independent investigation that commands public confidence,” the statement said.
The ADC questioned the circumstances surrounding Habila’s presence at the minister’s residence, asking what her official assignment was, why she was residing there and what investigators had established regarding the cause of her death.
The party called for an independent inquiry outside the control of the executive arm of government, including a comprehensive autopsy and the public release of the investigation’s findings.
It argued that anything short of a transparent investigation would only fuel public suspicion and further weaken confidence in public institutions.
The opposition party also alleged that the Tinubu administration had repeatedly failed to subject its officials to independent scrutiny whenever allegations of misconduct emerged.
“It has now become impossible to ignore the impression that this administration operates a system of scandal insurance for its senior officials, where proximity to power appears to guarantee protection from accountability,” the statement read.
The ADC maintained that the case was particularly grave because it involved the reported death of a young woman in the residence of a serving minister.
It therefore urged Umahi to step aside to allow for an impartial investigation.
“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 party said.
It added that if President Tinubu failed to insist on such a measure, Nigerians would conclude that his administration had become “a cabinet of cover-ups,” where political considerations took precedence over transparency and accountability.
The party extended its condolences to the family of Mary Habila, insisting that they deserved to know the truth surrounding her death while calling on the authorities to ensure justice is served.
