By Suzan Edeh
The Coalition of Civil Societies for Good Governance and the Northern Youth Association of Nigeria have rejected calls for the resignation of Minister of Works Dave Umahi following the death of Nurse Mary Habila, labeling the campaign as an unjustified “media trial”.
The groups advocated for the presumption of innocence, urging the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough, evidence-based investigation rather than succumbing to public pressure.
At a joint press conference in Abuja on Friday, the Coalition of Civil Societies for Good Governance (CCSGG) and the Northern Youth Association of Nigeria (NYAN) described the resignation demands as “unwarranted, ill-motivated, and unjust.”Group Slams ‘Media Trial’
The President of NYAN, Comrade Godiya T. Adams Bogoro who addressed journalists, stated that public campaigns demanding Umahi’s resignation before law enforcement concludes its investigation amount to an unfair media trial.
Bogoro counter-argued a recent demand by the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, which asked the Minister to step down over alleged ties to the incident.
“Today, we have gathered as responsible citizens and defenders of democracy to address an issue that has generated widespread public concern and national attention, the unfortunate and tragic death of Miss Mary Habila, a promising young Nigerian Nurse, who is said to be an employee of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Science”.
“First, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the late Miss Mary Habila, whose untimely death has shocked many Nigerians. We pray that Almighty God grants her eternal rest and gives her family, friends, and colleagues the strength to bear this painful loss”.
“Our gathering today is neither intended to trivialize the unfortunate death of Mary Habila nor to obstruct the course of justice. Rather, it is to defend the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law, which remain the cornerstone of every civilized society”.
“Over the past few days, we have watched with concern the growing campaign by the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria calling for the resignation of the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, over allegations connected with the death of Mary Habila”.
“To this call, we consider it unwarranted, ill-motivated, and unjust. We are bold to affirm that Engineer David Umahi, the Honourable Minister of Works, is a gentle, compassionate, and kind-hearted individual, who treats people with respect and dignity”.
“While every Nigerian has the constitutional right to freedom of expression and peaceful advocacy, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law. Public campaigns that seek to pronounce guilt before the completion of investigations amount to media trial and undermine the very justice they claim to pursue”Bogoro said.
He added that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
While offering deep condolences to the family of the late nurse, the coalitions emphasized that the tragedy must not be exploited for political gain, personal grievances, or sectional interests.
The groups maintained that their stance is not an attempt to shield anyone from accountability but rather a defense of due process and the rule of law.
The coalitions jointly called on the Nigeria Police Force and relevant security agencies to expedite a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation guided solely by credible evidence.
They urged the public, political actors, and commentators to exercise restraint and allow the legal process to run its full course.
