Condolences Are Not Enough – Atiku Asks Tinubu to Direct Umahi’s Suspension over Habila’s Death

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to step aside following the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila at the minister’s private residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

Reacting in a post on X on Thursday, Atiku expressed sympathy with Habila’s family but said condolences alone were not enough, insisting that Nigerians deserved answers about the circumstances surrounding her death.

“First, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Habila family. No family should have to mourn a daughter taken in the prime of her life while also fighting simply to learn the truth of how she died,” he said.

Atiku criticised the Tinubu administration over its handling of the matter, alleging that the government had failed to demonstrate transparency since Habila died on June 27, 2026.

“But condolences are not enough. Nigerians deserve answers, and it is on this score that the Tinubu administration has failed, comprehensively and disgracefully,” he stated.

The former vice president noted that no official cause of death had been established and claimed that no autopsy had been conducted three weeks after the incident.

He also questioned why the investigation remained in Ebonyi State, where Umahi previously served as governor, saying an independent probe was necessary to inspire public confidence.

“Let me be clear: I make no pronouncement on anyone’s guilt or innocence. That is precisely the point. Only a credible, independent, and transparent investigation can establish the truth,” Atiku said.

He called on President Tinubu to direct Umahi to step aside while investigations continue, describing the move as a basic standard of accountability rather than a punishment.

“President Bola Tinubu must direct the Honourable Minister of Works to step aside immediately, pending the conclusion of investigations. This is not a punishment; it is the minimum standard of public accountability in any serious democracy,” he said.

Atiku further urged the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters with the involvement of independent forensic experts.

He also demanded that a full and internationally credible autopsy be carried out without further delay and that the findings be made public.

In addition, he called for protection of Habila’s family from intimidation or undue influence and urged the authorities to guarantee them access to all facts surrounding their daughter’s death.

“The measure of a nation is how it responds when the powerful are touched by tragedy and the powerless demand truth. Mary Habila was somebody’s daughter, somebody’s sister, a young professional with her life ahead of her. She was a Nigerian. Her death must not be reduced to a footnote of political convenience,” Atiku added.

Mary Habila, a 26-year-old lady from Southern Kaduna, died on June 27, at the private residence of Umahi. The circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation, and no official cause of death has yet been announced.