Mary Habila: Don’t politicise our daughter’s death, Ebonyi community warns Nigerians

The people of Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi have appealed to the public not to politicise the death of Miss Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.

The community said the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death should be investigated objectively and urged individuals and groups to avoid comments that could prejudice ongoing investigations.

In a statement signed by the National President of Uburu Ancient Kingdom, Nicholas Odi, the community called on the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough, impartial and timely investigation guided by evidence, professionalism and the outcome of an autopsy.

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The statement, issued on behalf of the Uburu Rulers Council, also conveyed condolences to Habila’s family, the management, staff, and students of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, and the people of Kaduna State.

“We have carefully followed the statements of the bereaved family, the Nigeria Police Force, the Honourable Minister of Works and various reports in the media. Having reviewed these developments, we consider it necessary to issue this statement,” the community said.

The community expressed support for Senator Umahi’s call for a comprehensive, transparent, and independent autopsy to determine the cause of Habila’s death.

“We believe that only an objective medical examination can provide clarity, dispel speculation and ensure justice for all concerned,” the statement read.

While acknowledging the family’s initial preference against an autopsy, the community said the need to establish the facts made an independent medical examination necessary.

“While respecting the wishes of the bereaved family to allow their daughter to rest in peace, we believe that the overriding public interest and the need to establish the truth make an independent autopsy both necessary and appropriate. A transparent process remains the surest path to justice and public confidence,” it stated.

The community also cautioned against using the incident for political, sectional, or personal purposes.

“The death of a young Nigerian should not be exploited for political, sectional or personal interests. We urge individuals and groups to refrain from inflammatory statements capable of prejudicing ongoing investigations,” the statement added.

It further noted that the engagement of qualified medical personnel by senior public office holders was standard practice, saying such arrangements should not be interpreted as evidence of wrongdoing.

According to the statement, Habila, like many staff members of DUFUHS, resided in official accommodation provided by the university, adding that the arrangement should not be misconstrued.

The community expressed support for Senator Umahi while emphasising the need for due process.

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“The Uburu Ancient Kingdom stands firmly with its illustrious son, the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi. At the same time, we reaffirm our commitment to truth, justice, accountability and the rule of law. We are confident that the outcome of the autopsy and the ongoing investigation will establish the facts.”

The community urged all parties to allow the security agencies to carry out their investigations without interference and to await the outcome of the autopsy and police inquiry.