… warns against politicising death of Mary Habila
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has faulted the Northern Youth Council for its demand to remove the Minister of Works, David Umahi, following the death of Miss Mary Habila, describing the call as misplaced and politically motivated.
- … warns against politicising death of Mary Habila
In a statement issued and signed on Friday by NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, the student body said it was wrong for any group to exploit the death of the young Nigerian for personal sentiments, vendettas, or political gains.
NANS noted that while it commiserates with the family of the deceased, the focus should be on establishing the true cause of death through an impartial investigation.
According to the association, the Minister of Works has consistently maintained that the circumstances surrounding Miss Habila’s death must be unravelled and had formally requested the police to conduct an autopsy, a request the family reportedly objected to.
“Every well-meaning Nigerian must then question the rationale behind such a threat. A logical and impartial group with the interest of the masses at heart would not ask the minister to step aside despite being open to thorough scrutiny and an impartial investigation,” the statement said.
NANS further questioned the credibility of the Northern Youth Council, saying it has no clear record of meaningful agitations centred on the empowerment of Northern youths before now.
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The student body said it had reviewed official project reports from the Ministry of Works and observed that the minister has not faltered in his official responsibilities and is delivering quality roads across the federation under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Therefore, we call on the Northern Youth Council to refrain from exploiting the situation to attack the Minister of Works, who has no doubt delivered efficiently,” Afeez said.
NANS, however, reaffirmed its commitment to justice and fairness, and urged all youth groups to approach the matter from a logical and impartial standpoint instead of using it to attack a performing public official.
The association also pledged to continue its role as a pressure group and oversight body on government policies and national discourse.