CSOs, Northern Youth reject calls for Umahi’s resignation

…Demand Thorough Probe Into Nurse’s Death

By Christopher Ameh, Bauchi

The Coalition of Civil Societies for Good Governance (CCSGG), in collaboration with the Northern Youth Association of Nigeria (NYAN), has rejected calls for the resignation of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, over allegations linked to the death of 26-year-old nurse, Mary Habila.

Mary Habila reportedly died on June 27, 2026, at the private residence of the minister in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the President of the Northern Youth Association of Nigeria, Comrade Godiya T. Adams Bogoro, called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

The coalition expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, describing her death as tragic and a painful loss to the nation.

“Our gathering today is not intended to trivialise the unfortunate death of Mary Habila or obstruct the course of justice. Rather, it is to defend the principles of justice, fairness and the rule of law, which remain the foundation of every democratic society,” Bogoro said.

He said the coalition was concerned by the campaign led by the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria demanding Umahi’s resignation before the conclusion of investigations.

According to him, while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to freedom of expression and peaceful advocacy, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.

“Public campaigns that seek to pronounce guilt before investigations are concluded amount to trial by media and undermine the justice they claim to pursue,” he said.

The coalition described the call for the minister’s resignation as unwarranted and unjustified, insisting that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

It argued that demanding the resignation of a serving minister based solely on allegations circulating in the public domain and on social media would set a dangerous precedent capable of undermining the administration of justice.

The group stressed that the ongoing investigation by relevant law enforcement agencies should be allowed to run its full course before any conclusions are drawn.

“Justice is not served through assumptions; justice is served through evidence,” Bogoro stated.

He warned against allowing emotionally charged narratives, political interests and social media campaigns to replace credible investigations and judicial processes.

According to him, trial by media not only damages reputations but also weakens public confidence in the nation’s justice system and the rule of law.

The coalition urged political actors, civil society organisations, commentators and members of the public to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of interfering with the investigative process.

“Nigeria has paid a heavy price for divisive politics and inflammatory rhetoric. This unfortunate incident should strengthen our collective commitment to truth, justice and due process,” he added.

Bogoro clarified that the coalition’s position should not be interpreted as an attempt to shield anyone from accountability but as a principled stand in defence of justice, fairness and due process.

He called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to expedite a thorough, professional, transparent and independent investigation guided strictly by available evidence.

The coalition also appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, law-abiding and patient while investigations continue.

It reiterated its solidarity with the family of the late Mary Habila, expressing hope that a credible and impartial investigation would establish the truth and ensure that justice is served.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, insisting that investigative agencies must be allowed to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation, political pressure or media interference.

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