The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded an independent investigation into the death of physiotherapist Mary Habila, who was found dead at the Ebonyi State residence of Minister of Works, David Umahi. The party, through its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, issued a statement on Wednesday calling for transparency and accountability in the case. It urged Umahi to step aside temporarily while the investigation proceeds, emphasizing that the death of a citizen inside a serving minister’s home is a matter of national concern. The ADC stressed that the public deserves answers about why Habila was at the residence and what led to her death.
The party insists that only an investigation free from executive influence can uncover the truth and restore public trust. In its statement, the ADC specifically called for a full autopsy to determine the exact cause of Habila’s death and for the findings to be made public in a transparent report. They argue that investigations conducted under the control of the Executive are unlikely to be impartial, especially given past patterns of shielding top officials from scrutiny. The ADC accused the Tinubu administration of prioritizing reputation management over accountability in cases involving government leaders.
Abdullahi stated, “The Tinubu administration appears more eager to defend reputations than to establish facts and submit to accountability.” This sentiment reflects growing public skepticism about how the government handles sensitive incidents involving high-profile officials. The ADC warned that failure to act decisively could deepen public distrust and reinforce the perception that senior government figures are above the law. The party also expressed condolences to Habila’s family and reiterated its call for a thorough, independent probe.
Reports indicate that Habila, a medical professional attached to the Federal Ministry of Works, died under unclear circumstances at Umahi’s residence in Ebonyi State. The Ebonyi State Police Command has transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), but the cause of death remains unconfirmed. Umahi has denied any wrongdoing and stated that he advised Habila’s family to consent to an autopsy to determine the cause of death. He also emphasized that there was no attempt to cover up the incident.
Opposition parties and civil society organizations have echoed the ADC’s demand for an independent investigation, signaling broad concern over the incident. The case has sparked national debate about transparency, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ rights, especially when they involve high-ranking officials. As investigations continue, public attention remains fixed on whether the government will uphold the rule of law or protect its own. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how Nigeria handles similar incidents in the future.
Leave a Comment