President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly dismissed public calls to remove Minister of Works David Umahi from office following the death of nurse Mary Habila, who passed away at Umahi's Ebonyi residence on June 27. Umahi disclosed this in a viral video on Monday, August 3, stating that Tinubu instead encouraged him to remain focused on his duties.
Tinubu's Response to Pressure
Speaking in the video circulated on X (formerly Twitter), Umahi revealed that despite the outcry and political maneuvering around Habila's death, Tinubu stood by him. "When people took the death of one of my staff and started playing politics with it, they said the president should sack me, but the president surprised all of them and said, 'Dave, go and build more roads,'" Umahi recounted.
He further asserted, "Power and might don't belong to social media, it belongs to God." This statement underscores his belief that the president's decision was based on more than online sentiment.
Legal Battle and Controversy
The death of Mary Habila, a nurse on Umahi's medical team, has sparked significant legal and public backlash. The Incorporated Trustees of the Southern Kaduna Peoples' United Associations (SOKAPU) filed a N20 billion lawsuit against Umahi, alleging a breach of duty of care towards Habila while she was in his custody. The suit adds a formal legal dimension to the controversy.
Umahi had earlier requested the Ebonyi State Police Command to conduct an autopsy on Habila's body and to withhold its release to her family until the post-mortem was completed, citing the need to determine the exact cause of death. However, Habila's family rejected this request, preferring to bury her according to their customs without an autopsy.
Personal Mourning and Actions
The minister expressed that Habila's death has deeply affected him. In a gesture of respect, he asked his supporters worldwide to refrain from celebrating his recent birthday, as he was in mourning. He also offered a solemn prayer, stating that if he or any family member was involved in Habila's death, they should face a worse fate.
This incident has drawn widespread attention, with many Nigerians reacting to both the tragedy and the political implications. The video of Umahi's remarks has been widely shared, adding to the ongoing discourse.
Background and Context
Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, has been a prominent figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His tenure as Minister of Works has been marked by major infrastructure projects, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road, which he has vowed to subject to independent testing to ensure quality.
In previous statements, Umahi has dismissed concerns about contractors' backgrounds, insisting that the focus should be on the quality of work delivered. His recent comments about the president's support come amid broader political tensions, including criticisms from opposition figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has slammed Tinubu's economic policies.
Public Reaction and Implications
The public reaction to Habila's death and the subsequent legal action has been mixed. While some have called for accountability, others have rallied behind Umahi, citing his dedication to national infrastructure. The N20 billion lawsuit, if pursued, could have significant implications for Umahi's political career and the government's handling of similar incidents.
As the situation unfolds, many are watching to see how the legal proceedings and the president's stance will shape the narrative. Umahi's continued role in the cabinet suggests that Tinubu remains confident in his minister's abilities, despite the controversies.
This development highlights the complex interplay between personal tragedy, public duty, and political survival in Nigeria's governance landscape.
