Mary Habila’s Death: NANS slams Northern group calling for Umahi’s removal, says autopsy necessary

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly criticized the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) for demanding the immediate removal of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, following the controversial death of a 26-year-old nurse, Mary Habila.

This stems from a seven-day ultimatum issued by the Northern Youth Council, which threatened nationwide protests unless the Federal Government suspends Umahi to allow for an uncompromised investigation.

Miss Habila, an employee of the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital and a member of the minister’s official medical team, tragically passed away in a room within Umahi’s country home compound in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

In a statement signed by NANS President Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, the student leadership said the death of a young Nigerian is a serious matter that should not be exploited by individuals or groups for personal interests, political motives or sentiments.

The apex student body insisted that an autopsy should be conducted to determine the actual cause of death.

NANS said the decision to subject the deceased to a post-mortem examination should be respected as it would help establish the facts surrounding the incident.

The association said its role extends beyond students’ welfare advocacy, noting that it also has a responsibility to contribute to national issues, policy discussions and accountability in public institutions.

It noted that Umahi had consistently maintained that the circumstances surrounding Miss Habila’s death should be properly investigated and that he had reportedly requested an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

NANS questioned the rationale behind the Northern Youth Council’s call for the minister to step aside despite his reported willingness to support an investigation into the matter.

The association said any group genuinely interested in justice would support an impartial process to uncover the truth rather than demand the removal of an individual before the conclusion of investigations.

It described the council’s action as misplaced, arguing that the minister should not be judged based on unproven allegations.

NANS further commended Umahi’s performance as Minister of Works, saying it had monitored projects under the ministry and observed the quality of road construction across the country.

The association maintained that the minister should be allowed to continue discharging his official duties while the relevant authorities handle the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Miss Habila’s death.

NANS condemned the call for Umahi’s removal, urging the Northern Youth Council to approach the matter objectively and avoid what it described as attacks on a public officer who has continued to execute the mandate of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖