Minister of Works Dave Umahi is facing mounting calls for an independent investigation into two unresolved incidents: the disappearance of five engineers in Ebonyi State in 2021 and the recent death of a physiotherapist at his residence. The demand for transparency comes amid broader concerns about the minister's record on accountability and press freedom.
Background of Controversies
David Nweze Umahi, a two-term former governor of Ebonyi State, former senator, and current Minister of Works, has a history of controversies. During his tenure as governor, his relationship with critics and journalists attracted public attention. In one instance, Chijioke Agwu, a journalist with The Sun newspaper, was arrested and detained after publishing a report on Lassa fever cases that the governor considered objectionable. Vanguard reporter Peter Okutu was also reportedly arrested around the same period. These actions have been criticized as contrary to freedom of expression.
Disappearance of Five Engineers
The most significant controversy involves the disappearance of five engineers from NELAN Consulting Limited. In November 2021, the professionals traveled to Ebonyi State to supervise the African Development Bank-funded Abakaliki Ring Road project. They never returned. Their families have spent years demanding answers, raising questions about the investigations conducted and the conclusions reached by authorities.
Allegations have emerged that tensions existed between the consulting firm and the Ebonyi State Government over professional oversight, project certification, and contractual obligations. These allegations have been disputed by those implicated.
Death of Mary Habila
Another major issue is the death of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist who reportedly died in Senator Umahi's residence in Uburu. Umahi has acknowledged that she was assigned as a physiotherapist and died in his home, and he has supported the need for an autopsy to establish the cause of death. The circumstances have generated widespread public concern.
Recent Allegations of Non-Payment
Beyond these incidents, businesswoman Tracyniter Nicholas Ohiri has accused Umahi of failing to pay for goods and services supplied during political activities and alleged personal advances. Umahi rejected the allegations, describing them as false and politically motivated.
Call for Independent Investigation
Osmund Agbo, a medical doctor and author, argues that a transparent investigation would serve everyone's interests. He writes: "If the minister has been unfairly associated with these controversies, an impartial inquiry would provide an opportunity for his name to be cleared through evidence, rather than political arguments. If wrongdoing or misconduct by any individual is uncovered, the law should take its course without fear or favour."
Agbo emphasizes that the proposed inquiry should not be a political weapon or a trial by media, but a disciplined search for facts conducted by respected Nigerians of unquestionable credibility. The panel should examine all relevant evidence, including the circumstances of the engineers' disappearance, prior investigations, forensic findings, court proceedings, and information regarding Mary Habila's death.
Principle of Accountability
Agbo notes that in public life, unanswered questions affect institutions, shape public perception, and erode confidence in governance. He states: "When questions surrounding matters of public interest are left unresolved, speculation inevitably fills the vacuum created by silence. This is why transparency is not a burden placed upon public officials; it is a fundamental responsibility that comes with holding public office."
He concludes: "Truth should not depend on the status of the person seeking answers or the influence of the person being questioned. The pursuit of truth is not an act of hostility toward any individual. It is an affirmation of the principle that every life is sacred and that those entrusted with power must always remain accountable to the people they serve."
