CSOs Oppose Calls for Umahi’s Resignation, Demand Due Process

More than 300 civil society organisations (CSOs) under the umbrella of the Gender for Social Justice and Good Governance (GFSJGG) have opposed calls for the resignation of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, insisting that due process should be allowed to take its course in the investigation into the death of Miss Mary Habila.

The groups announced their position on Monday while addressing journalists in Abuja, where they also formally withdrew a planned protest earlier scheduled for July 23 and 24 over the incident.

National Coordinator of GFSJGG, Dr. Jumoke Adebiyi, said the coalition reviewed its earlier stance after conducting an independent investigation, including an on-the-spot assessment in Uburu, Ebonyi State, consultations with medical personnel and other stakeholders, as well as a review of additional information that emerged after its initial statement.

According to her, the findings did not support holding the minister responsible for the death, adding that available medical records indicated the deceased had underlying health conditions that may have contributed to her demise.

She said the organisations were convinced that Umahi should not be subjected to public condemnation while investigations were still ongoing.

“It is on record that the Minister has repeatedly called for an autopsy, demonstrating his willingness to allow the truth to emerge. No Nigerian, regardless of status or public office, should be subjected to public condemnation before the conclusion of lawful investigations,” she said.

Adebiyi maintained that every citizen is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

She urged security agencies to conclude their investigations professionally and without external pressure, warning against what she described as trial by media.

The coalition said it was inappropriate to continue demanding Umahi’s resignation in the absence of any official finding establishing wrongdoing.

According to the groups, while no public office holder is above the law, allegations alone should not be used as a basis to disregard years of public service.

The CSOs also commended the Minister’s performance in office, noting that several strategic federal road and bridge projects across the country had recorded significant progress under his leadership.

They urged members of the public, their supporters and partner organisations to disregard the earlier mobilisation notice for the planned protest, saying it had been withdrawn.

The coalition extended condolences to the family of the late Mary Habila and appealed to political actors not to exploit the incident, while urging Nigerians to remain calm and allow the relevant authorities to conclude their investigations in accordance with the law.