NANS Rejects Call for Umahi's Removal, Urges Fair Probe into Mary Habila's Death

 

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has faulted the Northern Youth Council over its call for the removal of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, describing the demand as premature and politically motivated.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its President, Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, GCNS, the association urged groups and individuals to avoid exploiting the death of Miss Mary Habila for personal or political interests.

NANS expressed condolences to the family of the deceased but maintained that the circumstances surrounding her death should be established through an impartial investigation.

The association said available reports indicate that Umahi had consistently called for the true cause of Habila's death to be determined and had formally requested the police to conduct an autopsy, a move it claimed was opposed by the deceased's family.

It questioned the basis for the Northern Youth Council's seven-day ultimatum asking the minister to step aside despite his support for an independent investigation.

According to NANS, any responsible organisation committed to justice should allow due process to take its course instead of making what it described as "unsubstantiated accusations."

The student body also defended Umahi's performance as Minister of Works, saying the ministry had continued to deliver major road infrastructure projects across the country.

It described the Northern Youth Council's demand for the minister's removal as an "ill-conceived attack" and urged the group to focus on supporting efforts to establish the facts surrounding Habila's death rather than politicising the matter.

NANS reiterated its commitment to justice, fairness and accountability, insisting that investigations into the case should proceed without interference while all parties refrain from actions capable of prejudicing the process.