By Israel Bulus
The Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, pending the outcome of an independent investigation into the death of a professional nurse, Mary Habila, reportedly at the minister’s residence in Ebonyi State.
The forum said the suspension was necessary to protect the credibility and independence of the investigation, stressing that the demand should not be construed as a declaration of guilt but as a step to ensure justice is done and seen to be done.
In a statement signed by the President of the forum, Arc. Samuel H. Yakubu, and made available to journalists on Tuesday through its Director of Media and Strategic Communications, Israel Bulus, the group described the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death as “tragic, disturbing and suspicious.”
The forum said the incident had become a matter of public interest that required a transparent, independent and comprehensive investigation.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately relieve the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, of his official responsibilities pending the conclusion of investigations. This is not a declaration of guilt but a necessary constitutional and ethical step to safeguard the integrity, credibility and independence of the investigative process,” the statement read.
SKPF maintained that no public office holder, irrespective of status or influence, should be shielded from scrutiny when a Nigerian dies under circumstances requiring investigation.
The forum also expressed concern over reports alleging that Habila was found with blood flowing from her mouth, saying although the reports had yet to be officially confirmed by investigators, they underscored the need for a thorough forensic investigation to establish the exact cause and manner of death.
It warned against any attempt to hurriedly bury the deceased before the completion of an independent autopsy and other necessary forensic procedures, arguing that every lawful investigative process should be exhausted to preserve evidence.
Describing the late nurse as “a national asset,” the group said Habila’s death was not only a painful loss to her family but also to Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
“Mary Habila was a trained professional nurse dedicated to saving lives. Her death is a loss to the nation, and the circumstances surrounding it must not be swept under the rug,” the statement added.
The forum urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other relevant security and investigative agencies to carry out what it described as a painstaking, impartial and comprehensive investigation without fear or favour.
It said everyone connected with the incident should be questioned, all relevant evidence preserved, forensic experts engaged where necessary and the findings made public.
The group also called on the Nigerian Medical Association, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, civil society organisations, human rights groups, faith-based organisations and the media to sustain pressure for justice.
It further urged Southern Kaduna lawyers to take the lead in pursuing justice for the deceased.
“We particularly call on Southern Kaduna lawyers to take the lead in this quest for justice. This is the moment when our voices must be heard. We urge them to constitute a legal team to monitor the investigation, support the bereaved family where necessary and ensure that no one frustrates the course of justice,” the forum said.
The forum also disclosed that it had given Umahi a three-day ultimatum to publicly explain the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, adding that it would continue to monitor developments until the truth was established.
It concluded that justice for Habila would reinforce public confidence in the country’s justice system and demonstrate that no individual was above the law.
