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The Gender for Social Justice and Good Governance (GFSJGG), a women’s advocacy group, has cancelled a planned protest against the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, following the death of a nurse, Mary Habila.
Habila died at the country home of Umahi in Ebonyi State about three weeks ago over an alleged underlying illness that had prompted outrage.
However, GFSJGG National Coordinator, Dr Jumoke Adebiyi, and Secretary, Amina Danjuma, at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, said they decided to cancel the protest over fresh facts that allegedly exonerated Umahi of complicity.
Adebiyi said: “A few days ago, our organisations announced plans to stage a peaceful protest over the unfortunate death of Miss Mary Habila. That decision was taken based on information initially available to us at the time and out of our unwavering commitment to justice, accountability and the protection of human rights.
“However, GFSJGG and partners have always been guided by facts rather than emotions, evidence rather than speculation, and justice rather than prejudice.
“Following the investigation by an independent panel set up by GFSJGG and partners, an on-the-spot assessment of the scene at Uburu, Ebonyi State, further consultations at the hospital, critical stakeholders and a review of additional information that became available after our initial statement, we wish to exonerate the Minister of any wrong.
“We have also resolved to withdraw our earlier position and cancel the planned protest scheduled for Thursday, 23rd July and Friday, 24th July, 2026.
“Our decision is informed by our conviction that the Minister is innocent. From our investigation Miss Habila’s medical records shows that she had some underlying ailments which may have caused her untimely death.
“It is on record that the Minister has severally called for an autopsy showing his innocence, unnecessary character assassination and media convictions of the Minister is bad.
“Our view is that no Nigerian, regardless of status or public office, should be subjected to public condemnation before the conclusion of lawful investigations. We believe that the constitutional presumption of innocence must apply equally to every citizen.
“We are also persuaded that law enforcement agencies should be allowed to discharge their constitutional responsibilities professionally and without undue pressure from public campaigns that may create the perception that conclusions have already been reached.”
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Danjuma called on well-meaning Nigerians to refrain from media trials and allow the investigative authorities to complete their assignment in accordance with the law.
She added: “Beyond this unfortunate incident, Senator David Umahi has established himself as one of the most visible public infrastructure administrators in Nigeria.
“Under his leadership, several strategic federal road and bridge projects across the country have witnessed remarkable progress. These achievements have contributed significantly to national development, economic growth and improved transportation infrastructure.
“While no public office holder is above the law, neither should years of public service be disregarded on the basis of allegations that remain under investigation.
“GFSJGG and partners therefore believe that it is inappropriate to continue demanding the Minister’s resignation in the absence of any official finding establishing wrongdoing.
“Accordingly, we hereby announce the immediate cancellation of our planned protest.
“We urge all our members, partner organisations, supporters and the general public to disregard our earlier mobilisation notice, as it has been withdrawn.
“Our organisation and partners remain committed to promoting justice, transparency, accountability, good governance and the rule of law. Those principles also require fairness, objectivity and respect for due process.
“We commend the security agencies for continuing their investigation and encourage them to conclude their work diligently, professionally and without fear or favour.
“We deeply commiserate with the family who lost their young daughter at her prime. It is really devastating and political detractors who wish to latch on to an emotional and sensitive issue as this should desist from this and respect the wishes of the family to allow their daughter to rest in peace.
“Finally, we appeal to all Nigerians to remain calm, avoid inflammatory narratives and allow the institutions of justice to perform their constitutional duties.”
