GFSJGG, 300 CSOs Cancel Planned Protest Against Umahi, Declare Support After Internal Investigation

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The Gender for Social Justice and Good Governance (GFSJGG), alongside over 300 civil society organisations and partners, has withdrawn its planned protest against the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, over the death of Miss Mary Habila, saying its independent findings did not establish any wrongdoing against the minister.

The position was announced on Monday during a press conference in Abuja by the organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Amina Danjuma, on behalf of the National Coordinator, Dr Jumoke Adebiyi, and the coalition of civil society groups.

According to the coalition, its earlier decision to organise a peaceful protest scheduled for July 23 and 24 was based on the information available at the time and was driven by its commitment to justice, accountability and the protection of human rights.

However, following an independent investigation by the group, including an on-the-spot assessment in Uburu, Ebonyi State; consultations with the hospital where the deceased was reportedly treated; engagements with critical stakeholders; and a review of additional information, the coalition said it had resolved to reverse its earlier position.

The organisation stated that its findings convinced it that Senator Umahi should not be held responsible for the incident, adding that available medical records indicated that the late Mary Habila had underlying health conditions which may have contributed to her death.

The coalition also noted that the Minister had consistently called for an autopsy to determine the actual cause of death, describing the public condemnation and media narratives against him as unfair and premature.

It stressed that every Nigerian, regardless of public office, is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until investigations are concluded, warning against what it described as “trial by media.”

GFSJGG urged Nigerians to allow law enforcement agencies to conduct their investigations professionally and without external pressure that could create the impression that conclusions had already been reached.

The coalition further maintained that there was no justification for continued calls for the Minister’s resignation in the absence of any official findings linking him to wrongdoing.

Highlighting Umahi’s performance in office, the group said the Minister had overseen significant progress on strategic federal road and bridge projects across the country, contributing to infrastructure development, economic growth and improved transportation.

Consequently, the organisation announced the immediate cancellation of its planned protest and directed all its members, partner organisations and supporters to disregard the earlier mobilisation notice.

While reaffirming its commitment to justice, transparency, accountability, good governance and the rule of law, the coalition said those principles must equally be guided by fairness, objectivity and due process.

The group also commended security agencies for continuing their investigation and urged them to conclude the process diligently, professionally and without fear or favour.

It expressed condolences to the family of the late Mary Habila, describing her death as tragic, and appealed to political actors not to exploit the incident for personal or political interests, while urging Nigerians to remain calm and allow the justice system to perform its constitutional responsibilities.