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The Gender for Social Justice and Good Governance (GFSJGG), in collaboration with more than 300 civil society organisations and partner groups, has called off its planned protest against the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, following what it described as an independent investigation that found no evidence directly implicating the minister in the death of Miss Mary Habila.
The decision was announced on Monday during a press briefing in Abuja by the group's National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Amina Danjuma, who spoke on behalf of the National Coordinator, Dr. Jumoke Adebiyi, and the coalition.
The coalition explained that its initial decision to stage a peaceful protest on July 23 and 24 was based on information available at the time and reflected its commitment to justice, accountability and the protection of human rights.
However, after conducting its own fact-finding exercise—including a visit to Uburu in Ebonyi State, consultations with the hospital where the deceased reportedly received treatment, discussions with key stakeholders and a review of available documents—the coalition said it reached a different conclusion.
According to the group, the findings showed no basis for holding Senator Umahi responsible for Mary Habila's death. It added that medical information reviewed during the investigation suggested the deceased had pre-existing health conditions that may have contributed to the unfortunate incident.
The coalition further noted that the Minister had consistently requested an autopsy to establish the exact cause of death, arguing that the public criticism and media reports linking him to the incident were premature and lacked sufficient factual basis.
Reaffirming the principle of the presumption of innocence, the group warned against what it described as "trial by media," insisting that no individual should be judged before the completion of official investigations.
It urged Nigerians to allow security and investigative agencies to carry out their responsibilities without interference or undue pressure, stressing that any conclusions should be based solely on verified evidence.
The coalition also maintained that there was no justification for calls demanding the Minister's resignation in the absence of any official report connecting him to wrongdoing.
Speaking on Umahi's stewardship, the group commended the Minister for what it described as remarkable progress on major federal road and bridge projects across the country, saying the ongoing infrastructure development was making significant contributions to national economic growth and improved transportation.
Consequently, GFSJGG formally announced the cancellation of the planned demonstration and directed all members, affiliated organisations and supporters to discontinue mobilisation for the protest.
The coalition reiterated its commitment to justice, transparency, accountability, good governance and the rule of law, while stressing that these values must always be pursued with fairness, objectivity and respect for due process.
It also praised security agencies for continuing their investigation into the matter and urged them to complete the process professionally, impartially and without fear or favour.
The group extended its condolences to the family of the late Mary Habila, describing her death as a painful loss, and appealed to political actors to refrain from exploiting the tragedy for partisan purposes, while encouraging Nigerians to remain peaceful and allow the justice system to take its course.