Mary Habila: Nigerians’ll lose confidence in govt if Umahi doesn’t step aside – Atiku

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, says Nigerians will lose confidence in government if the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, does not step down over the death of his staff, Miss Mary Habila in his residence.

In a statement on Thursday, Atiku frowned at the handling of the matter, demanding transparent and independent investigation to unravel the death of the lady.

The former Vice-President, who alleged that no autopsy had been conducted, stated that the process remained within Ebonyi State, where Umahi previously served as governor, calling for the transfer of the case from Ebonyi State Command to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, the situation required urgent action from the Federal Government to assure Nigerians that the matter would be handled independently.

“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. It will promote public confidence in the investigation.

“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,” he said.

DAILY POST recalls that the 26-year-old Nigerian from Nok, Southern Kaduna, died on June 27, 2026, at a building within Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.