The global executive committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has said the revelation by the family of late Miss Mary Habila that she had a pre-existing heart condition has effectively exonerated the Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi, from allegations and accusations linked to her death.
Ohanaeze, in a statement signed by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Acting Secretary General, Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, also called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Southern Kaduna Peoples United Association (SOKAPU) to retract their earlier accusations against Umahi and tender apologies to the Minister.
The organisation, while expressing its heartfelt condolences to the family of Mary Habila, the people of Nok in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and the entire Southern Kaduna community, described the deceased as a remarkable daughter, dedicated physiotherapist and committed professional who served with distinction.
Habila, who was attached to the office of the Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi, had previously served at the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Uburu.
She was laid to rest on Friday, August 21, 2026, in her hometown of Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to Ohanaeze, the recent revelation contained in the family’s official tribute in the burial brochure has provided what it described as a clear and definitive explanation of the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
The organisation said the family disclosed that Habila had a pre-existing heart condition and had been diagnosed with a hole in her heart, adding that her health deteriorated despite medical attention, prayers and support from family members and loved ones.
“According to the family, Miss Mary Habila lived with a heart-related condition and eventually passed away following a cardiac arrest,” the statement said.
Ohanaeze noted that the solemn revelation by the immediate family had effectively put to rest the doubts, speculations and assumptions that had surrounded her death.
The organisation consequently declared that Senator Umahi had been vindicated from what it described as unwarranted allegations, public accusations and politically motivated attacks directed against him following the unfortunate incident.
It particularly criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for what it described as a rush to judgment, saying he had demanded the immediate removal of Umahi from office without waiting for facts, evidence and credible information to emerge.
Ohanaeze said such an action was unfair and damaging, and inconsistent with the principles of justice, fairness and responsible leadership.
The organisation therefore called on Atiku to demonstrate statesmanship by withdrawing his earlier accusations and offering an unreserved apology to Senator Umahi for the attacks and conclusions drawn against him.
“Political disagreements are legitimate in a democracy; however, the reputation and integrity of individuals must not be sacrificed on the altar of premature judgments, sensational claims, or political expediency,” Ohanaeze stated.
It stressed that public figures have a responsibility to seek the truth before making serious allegations against fellow citizens.
Ohanaeze also urged the leadership of the Southern Kaduna Peoples United Association, SOKAPU, to reconsider its legal action against Senator Umahi over allegations arising from the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
The organisation said the family’s revelation had introduced a new and important perspective into the matter and appealed to SOKAPU, in the interest of peace, reconciliation and mutual respect, to embrace dialogue, withdraw the legal action and extend an apology to Umahi.
According to Ohanaeze, the unfortunate death of Mary Habila should not be turned into a tool for political division or personal attacks, but should instead inspire compassion, unity and a commitment to truth and justice.
The organisation maintained that responsible leadership demands fairness, restraint and respect for due process, insisting that the facts revealed by the deceased’s family must be acknowledged and that all parties should act with maturity and dignity in honour of her memory.
“Nigeria deserves a culture where truth prevails over speculation, justice triumphs over prejudice, and public discourse is guided by responsibility and respect,” Ohanaeze said.
The statement was signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Acting Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
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