Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s statement unfortunately places the cart before the horse. While every Nigerian has the right to demand a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the unfortunate death of Miss Mary Habila, it is improper to draw conclusions or prescribe sanctions before the investigative authorities have established the facts.
The rule of law requires that investigations precede judgments, evidence precede accusations, and due process prevail over public speculation. To call for the suspension of a public official before any investigative findings have been made risks undermining the very principles of justice and fairness that we all seek to uphold.
This wording criticizes the timing and reasoning of the statement without asserting facts that have not been established.
The press statement by the former vice president ,Alhaji Atiku Abubakar,on the unfortunate death of Miss Mary Habila and the overt political manaoveurs by major opposition figures in the Nigeria polity to indict the Honourable Minister of Works ,Senator David Umahi, even before the conclusion of the ongoing investigation is a typical example of putting the cart before the horse.
Contrary to suggestions that anyone is seeking to obstruct justice, Senator David Umahi has publicly supported a comprehensive investigation and has called for a proper autopsy to determine the true cause of Miss Habila’s death. He has repeatedly stated his willingness to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies.
The investigation is the responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force and other competent authorities. They should be allowed to perform their constitutional duties independently and without political pressure from any quarter.
Calls for the Minister to step aside should be guided by law, established facts, and due process—not speculation or public sentiment. Public office holders, like all citizens, are entitled to fair treatment under the law.
I therefore urge all stakeholders, political leaders, civil society organisations, the media, and members of the public to refrain from making prejudicial statements while investigations are ongoing. Justice is best served through evidence, transparency, and respect for the rule of law.
My thoughts remain with the Habila family, and we hope that the investigation will establish the facts promptly so that justice is done and is seem to be done.
Chief Emma Igwe is the Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Senate President and writes from Abuja.