The people of Uburu Ancient Kingdom in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have cautioned against the politicization of the death of Miss Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, describing attempts to exploit the tragedy for political, sectional or personal interests as unfortunate.
The community urged the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough, impartial and expeditious investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila's death, insisting that only an independent autopsy and evidence-based investigation could establish the true cause of her death and guarantee justice for all parties.
The position of the community was contained in a statement signed by the National President of the Uburu Ancient Kingdom, Mr. Nicholas Odii, on behalf of the Uburu Rulers Council.
The council extended its condolences to the family of the deceased, the management, staff and students of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, where the late Habila worked, as well as the people of Kaduna State over what it described as a painful and unfortunate loss.
The statement noted that the council had carefully followed public statements issued by the bereaved family, the Nigeria Police Force, the Minister of Works and reports in the media before arriving at its position.
According to the council, an independent and transparent autopsy remains the most credible means of scientifically establishing the actual cause of Habila's death.
"We fully support the call by the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi, CON, for a comprehensive, transparent and independent autopsy to scientifically establish the actual cause of Miss Mary Habila's death.
"We believe that only an objective medical examination can provide clarity, dispel speculation and ensure justice for all concerned," the statement read.
While acknowledging that the bereaved family had initially expressed reservations about conducting an autopsy, the community maintained that the overriding public interest and the need to establish the truth justified an independent medical examination.
It stressed that a transparent process would not only guarantee justice but also restore public confidence in the outcome of the investigation.
The council further condemned what it described as the sensationalization of the incident, warning individuals and groups against making inflammatory statements capable of prejudicing ongoing investigations.
"We strongly condemn the politicisation and sensationalisation of this unfortunate incident. The death of a young Nigerian should not be exploited for political, sectional or personal interests. We urge individuals and groups to refrain from inflammatory statements capable of prejudicing ongoing investigations," it stated.
Defending the minister against insinuations arising from the incident, the community said it was normal administrative practice for senior public office holders to have qualified medical personnel attached to their official teams.
It added that such an arrangement should not be misconstrued or used as the basis for unsubstantiated allegations.
The statement also clarified that the late Habila, like many members of staff of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, occupied official staff accommodation provided by the institution to support its workforce.
It warned against attempts to distort the facts surrounding her accommodation to support speculative claims.
The community therefore called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant authorities to remain professional, impartial and guided solely by evidence and the findings of the autopsy in determining the cause of death.
Reaffirming its support for the Minister of Works, the Uburu Ancient Kingdom expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation would establish the facts.
"The Uburu Ancient Kingdom stands firmly with its illustrious son, the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi. We reject attempts to tarnish his reputation through trial by media or unsubstantiated allegations while investigations are ongoing.
"At the same time, we reaffirm our commitment to truth, justice, accountability and the rule of law. We are confident that the outcome of the autopsy and the ongoing investigation will establish the facts," the statement added.
