Death Of Mary Habila: Ohanaeze Condemns Call For Umahi’s Resignation, Politicisation Of Issue By Opposition 

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Felix Uka

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has condemned what it described as the politicization of the death of Miss Mary Habila at the staff quarters of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The organization said that while every human life is sacred and every death deserves a thorough investigation, it was inappropriate for political actors, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Northern Youth Forum, to draw conclusions or demand the suspension or resignation of Umahi before the completion of investigations by the relevant authorities.

In a statement jointly signed by the Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and the Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, the group rejected Atiku’s reported call for Umahi’s suspension, describing it as premature, politically motivated and inconsistent with the principles of justice, fairness and due process.

The organization insisted that Umahi would not resign as Minister of Works because of what it termed politically driven pressure, stressing that no one should be intimidated into abandoning constitutional responsibilities while investigations are ongoing.

Ohanaeze also expressed concern over what it described as selective outrage in national discourse, alleging that some incidents attract immediate political condemnation while others receive little attention.

The group cited the 2022 killing of Deborah Samuel Yakubu, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, who was lynched following allegations of blasphemy.

It questioned why some political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, whom it claimed remained silent during that incident, were now calling for swift political action over Mary Habila’s death.

According to the organization, the sanctity of human life should not be determined by political convenience, ethnicity, religion or public pressure, adding that every victim deserves equal dignity, justice and compassion.

Ohanaeze maintained that a nation governed by the rule of law cannot rely on social media trials, political accusations or public pressure to determine guilt before the conclusion of investigations.

It urged the police and other relevant authorities to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation without interference.

The organization described Habila’s death as a painful tragedy that has affected her family, her community and Senator Umahi, who was her employer.

It extended condolences to the deceased’s father, Mr. Tanko Habila Wisdom, the Habila family, the people of Southern Kaduna and Umahi.

“The appropriate response to tragedy is mourning, investigation and justice—not political opportunism. The family of the deceased deserves truth and closure, not a political battle that may distract from the real issues,” the statement read.
Ohanaeze further noted that Umahi had supported an autopsy to determine the cause of Habila’s death.

While acknowledging reports that the deceased’s father had expressed reservations about an autopsy based on family traditions, the organization maintained that establishing the truth through lawful and professional procedures remained essential.

It emphasized that justice must be guided by facts, evidence and credible investigation rather than assumptions or political pressure, adding that Ndigbo stands for truth, justice and accountability irrespective of political or ethnic considerations.