Mary Habila, whose death at Senator David Umahi's residence has sparked calls for an independent investigation.
African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for an independent investigation into the death of Ms. Mary Habila, who reportedly died at the private residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, insisting that only a transparent inquiry can restore public confidence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party described the incident as one that goes beyond a private tragedy, arguing that the death of a citizen in the residence of a serving cabinet minister raises serious questions of public accountability.
According to the party, Nigerians deserve clear answers on the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is deeply disturbed by the unresolved circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Ms. Mary Habila, who reportedly died within the residence of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi,” the statement said.
“Every Nigerian life matters. But when a citizen dies in the home of a serving cabinet minister, the matter immediately transcends private tragedy and becomes a question of public accountability. The only acceptable response in a constitutional democracy is a thorough, transparent and independent investigation that commands public confidence.”
The ADC said the explanations made public so far had failed to address several questions surrounding the incident, including the nature of Habila’s assignment, why she was staying in the minister’s residence and the exact circumstances that led to her death.
The party therefore demanded what it described as a fully independent investigation, free from executive influence, alongside a comprehensive autopsy and the public release of the findings.
“We therefore call for an independent investigation that is completely removed from the control or influence of the Executive. This inquiry must include a full autopsy to determine the exact cause of Ms Habila’s death and a public report of its findings. This is the only way to ensure that Justice is done; and it is seen to be done. Anything less will only deepen public suspicion and further erode confidence in our institutions,” the statement added.
The ADC further alleged that the administration of President Bola Tinubu had developed a pattern of shielding public officials whenever serious allegations emerged against them.
The party claimed that government responses to controversies involving senior officials often appeared aimed at protecting reputations rather than allowing independent scrutiny.
“The Tinubu administration appears more eager to defend reputations than to establish facts and submit to accountability,” the statement said.
“It has now become impossible to ignore the impression that this administration now operates a system of scandal insurance for its senior officials, and proximity to power appears to guarantee protection from accountability.”
The opposition party also called on Senator Umahi to temporarily vacate office while investigations are ongoing.
“The least that should be expected is that the Minister, namely Senator David Umahi, should immediately step aside from office pending the conclusion of an independent investigation,” the ADC stated.
It further warned that failure by President Tinubu to ensure accountability in the matter would reinforce public perception that the government protects its officials from scrutiny.
“If President Bola Ahmed Tinubu refuses to insist on this elementary principle, then Nigerians will be left with only one conclusion: that his administration has become a Cabinet of Cover-ups, where political convenience consistently takes precedence over transparency and accountability.”
The party expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased, saying they deserve justice and the truth about the circumstances surrounding her death.
“The ADC extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Mary Habila. Their daughter deserves dignity. Her family deserves the truth. And Nigeria deserves a government that understands that accountability is not an inconvenience to be managed but the very foundation of public trust,” the statement concluded.
