By Sandra Kenneth
The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded an immediate, independent investigation into the unresolved circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Mary Habila, who reportedly died within the private residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
In a strongly-worded statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of running a “government of cover-ups” and putting political damage control ahead of human life.
Abdullahi asserted that the party is deeply disturbed by the mystery surrounding Habila’s demise, emphasizing that the sanctity of every Nigerian life must be defended.
The ADC argued that when a citizen dies under unclear circumstances inside the home of a serving cabinet minister, the incident ceases to be a private tragedy and immediately becomes a matter of public accountability. The party warned that the only acceptable course of action in a constitutional democracy is a transparent and thorough inquiry that commands full public confidence.
The opposition party pointed out that official explanations provided so far have failed to address critical questions bothering Nigerians, including:
The precise nature of Habila’s official assignment?
Why was she residing in the Minister’s private residence?
What were the exact circumstances leading up to her death?
What have law enforcement investigators established so far?
“The explanation offered so far has done little to answer these questions,” Abdullahi stated.
To ensure justice is served, the ADC is calling for an independent inquiry entirely free from the control or influence of the executive branch. The party demanded that the probe must include a full autopsy to establish the exact cause of Habila’s death, with the findings made public.
The statement further criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) under President Tinubu, claiming the incident fits an “increasingly disturbing pattern” of shielding public officials from scrutiny.
According to the ADC, the Tinubu administration appears far more eager to protect the reputations of its cabinet members than to establish hard facts and submit to public accountability.
