For days, the name of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, trended for the wrong reasons. The death of Miss Mary Habila had triggered outrage, and civil society groups were set to take to the streets. But on Monday in Abuja, the mood shifted dramatically, write Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka Our Managing Editor.
The leadership of Gender for Social Justice and Good Governance, GFSJGG, alongside 300 Civil Society Organisations and partner groups, announced they were backing down.
The planned nationwide protest scheduled for 23 and 24 July 2026 has been cancelled.
At the centre of the reversal is a conclusion the coalition reached after its own investigation: there is no basis to hold Senator Umahi responsible for the incident.
Addressing journalists, Dr. Jumoke Adebiyi, National Coordinator of GFSJGG, and Comrade Amina Danjuma, National Publicity Secretary, said the initial call for protest was made in good faith.
It was based on the information available at the time and on the coalition’s longstanding commitment to justice, accountability and the protection of human rights.
“GFSJGG and its partners have always been guided by facts rather than emotions, evidence rather than speculation, and justice rather than prejudice,” they stated.
That commitment, they said, led them to launch an independent fact-finding mission. The exercise took them to Uburu in Ebonyi State for an on-the-spot assessment, to the hospital for consultations, and to engagements with critical stakeholders. They also reviewed additional information that emerged after their first statement.
Based on those findings, the coalition said the deceased had underlying medical conditions which may have contributed to her untimely death.
On the Minister’s role, the group was emphatic. It found no basis to hold the Honourable Minister of Works responsible for the unfortunate incident. The coalition pointed to Senator Umahi’s consistent demand for an autopsy as evidence of his willingness to subject the matter to transparent investigation.
It also condemned what it called premature public judgment and “trial by media,” adding: “No Nigerian, regardless of status or public office, should be subjected to public condemnation before the conclusion of lawful investigations,” the statement read. We believe that the constitutional presumption of innocence must apply equally to every citizen.”
Beyond the Habila case, the organisations acknowledged Senator Umahi’s stewardship of the Federal Ministry of Works. They noted significant progress on several strategic federal road and bridge projects across the country, which they said were contributing to national development 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,” the coalition added.
Consequently, GFSJGG and its partners said there was no justification for continued calls for the Minister’s resignation in the absence of any official finding establishing wrongdoing.
They directed all members, partner organisations, supporters and the general public to disregard the earlier mobilisation notice. The coalition urged Nigerians to allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities professionally and without external pressure. It also appealed to citizens to reject inflammatory narratives and avoid actions capable of prejudicing ongoing investigations.
Reaffirming its core values, the group said it remains committed to justice, transparency, accountability, good governance and the rule of law. Those principles, it stressed, equally demand fairness, objectivity and respect for due process. The organisations commended security agencies for their ongoing investigation and urged them to conclude the matter diligently, professionally and without fear or favour.
Extending condolences to the bereaved family, the coalition however said: “We deeply commiserate with the family on the painful loss of their daughter in the prime of her life,” they said.
They also appealed to political actors not to exploit the tragedy for partisan purposes and to respect the family’s desire to allow their daughter to rest in peace. With the protest called off, the focus now returns to the authorities to conclude their work, and to the public to allow due process to run its course.
