The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has requested that Minister of Works, David Umahi, temporarily resign awaiting an independent inquiry into the death of Mary Habila, who allegedly died at his apartment.
The request was issued on Wednesday in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
The party stated that the circumstances of Habila’s death have generated public apprehension necessitating an impartial investigation, asserting that only a transparent procedure can ascertain the facts and restore public trust.
The party requested a comprehensive autopsy and the public disclosure of the probe results, contending that the inquiry should be carried out independently of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Federal Government’s influence.
“The life of every Nigerian is significant.” However, when a citizen passes away at the residence of an active cabinet minister, the incident swiftly elevates from a personal misfortune to an issue of public accountability. “The sole permissible response in a constitutional democracy is a comprehensive, transparent, and independent investigation that garners public trust,” stated ADC.
The opposition party scrutinised the circumstances of Habila’s presence at the minister’s residence, asserting that matters concerning her assignment, the events preceding her death, and the results of current investigations necessitate clarification via an impartial inquiry.
ADC further asserted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has consistently protected senior government officials in the face of charges, contending that public trust in accountability has persistently diminished.
The party urged Umahi to resign temporarily until the investigation concludes, asserting that this would facilitate an unbiased examination of the issue.
The minimum expectation is that Minister Senator David Umahi should promptly resign from his position until the outcome of an impartial investigation, the statement asserted.
The party conveyed condolences to Habila’s family, stating that a transparent investigation is essential to ascertain the circumstances of her death.