The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has called on the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to step aside pending the outcome of an independent investigation into the death of Mary Habila, who reportedly died at his residence.
The demand was made on Wednesday in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
According to the ADC, the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death have generated public concern and require a transparent and independent investigation to establish the facts and restore public confidence.
The party also called for a comprehensive autopsy and the public release of the investigation’s findings, insisting that the inquiry should be conducted independently of the Federal Government.
It stated that the death of a citizen in the residence of a serving cabinet minister is a matter of public accountability that must be handled openly.
The ADC said questions surrounding Habila’s presence at the minister’s residence, the nature of her assignment, the events leading to her death, and the findings of ongoing investigations should all be addressed through an impartial probe.
The opposition party further alleged that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has consistently protected senior government officials whenever allegations arise against them, adding that public confidence in accountability has continued to decline.
It maintained that Umahi should temporarily vacate office to allow investigators to carry out their work without any perception of interference.
The party also extended its condolences to the family of Mary Habila, stressing that only a credible and transparent investigation can establish the true circumstances surrounding her death.
