‎From Chijioke Ufoh, Abakaliki
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‎Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze, has strongly condemned the premature politicisation of the unfortunate death of late Mary Habila, a nurse and physiotherapist, who tragically passed away at the staff quarters of the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, at Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
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‎Ohanaeze spoke through a statement issued on Friday by its Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Deputy Secretary-General, Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, and made available to newsmen.
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‎The group said while acknowledging that every human life is sacred, and every death deserves a thorough investigation, it is inappropriate and unacceptable for political actors like the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and Northern Youth Forum (NYF) to rush to conclusions, issuing prejudicial judgments, demanding the suspension, resignation of Umahi before the completion of a transparent investigation by the relevant authorities.
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‎The organisation specifically rejected the recent call by Atiku, describing the demand as premature, politically motivated, and inconsistent with the principles of justice, fairness, and due process.
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‎The Pan lgbo group declared unequivocally that Umahi will not resign as the Minister of Works merely because of politically driven pressure, and nobody should attempt to intimidate him into abandoning his constitutional responsibilities while investigations are ongoing.
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‎Ohanaeze Ndigbo further expressed concern over what it described as a disturbing pattern of selective outrage in national discourse, where some tragedies receive immediate political condemnation while others are ignored or treated with silence.
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‎The organisation recalled the brutal killing of Deborah Samuel Yakubu, a Christian student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto State, who was murdered by a mob in 2022, following allegations of blasphemy.
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‎Ohanaeze questioned why certain political figures, like Atiku, who remained silent during that tragedy, are now demanding swift political punishment in the case of Habila’s death.
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‎According to Ohanaeze, the sanctity of human life must not be measured by political convenience, ethnic considerations, religious sentiments, or public pressure, saying that everyone deserves equal dignity, justice, and compassion.
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‎lt noted that a nation governed by law cannot operate through social media trials, political accusations, or mob-driven demands for punishment without evidence.
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‎Ohanaeze urged Atiku, Northern youth organisations, and all interested parties to allow the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and relevant investigative authorities to complete their duties without unnecessary interference.
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‎Emphasising that the death of Habila remains a painful tragedy that has affected her family, her community, and Umahi, who was her employer and superior.
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‎“The appropriate response to tragedy is mourning, investigation, and justice — not political opportunism. The family of the deceased deserves truth and closure, not a political battle that may distract from the real issues,” Ohanaeze stated.
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‎The statement noted that Umahi has demonstrated commitment to transparency by supporting the conduct of an autopsy to determine the actual cause of Habila’s death.
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‎”The organisation acknowledged the position of the deceased’s father, Mr Tanko Habila Wisdom, who reportedly expressed reservations about an autopsy based on family traditions, but maintained that establishing the truth through lawful and professional procedures remains essential,” it said.
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‎Ohanaeze emphasised that justice requires facts, evidence, and credible investigation rather than assumptions, accusations, or political pressure.
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‎The organisation declared that Ndigbo stands firmly on the side of truth, justice, and accountability, regardless of political affiliations or ethnic backgrounds.
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‎Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide advised political leaders and youth organisations across Nigeria to exercise restraint and avoid turning a family tragedy into a platform for political confrontation.
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‎The organisation warned that exploiting the death of an innocent citizen for political advantage undermines national unity and deepens divisions at a time when Nigerians should collectively demand justice and compassion.
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‎Ohanaeze called for responsible leadership, reminding Nigerians that the rule of law must remain superior to public pressure, political calculations, and emotional reactions.
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‎While reaffirming its confidence in the competence of Nigerian investigative institutions and insisted that the truth surrounding Mary Habila’s death must emerge through a credible and impartial process.