Minister of Works David Umahi has broken his silence over calls for his removal from office following the death of Mary Habila, a female staff member at his private residence, saying President Bola Tinubu instead urged him to remain focused on delivering infrastructure projects.
Speaking in a video circulating on social media on Monday, Umahi criticised attempts to link the tragic incident to his position in government, describing the calls for his dismissal as politically motivated.
The former Ebonyi State governor said he was surprised that the death of someone he described as one of his most dedicated workers had become the subject of political attacks against him.
“What surprised me was when people took the death of one of my best workers and started to play politics. They said the President should sack me. Why should he do so, for doing what?” Umahi said.
He added that President Tinubu did not entertain the calls for his removal but instead encouraged him to continue executing road projects across the country.
“So anybody that is working with you that dies, then you must be sacked? But the President surprised all of them. Instead, he said, ‘Dave, go and build more roads,’” the minister stated.
The controversy stems from the death of Mary Habila in June at Umahi’s private residence. The incident triggered widespread public concern, with some Nigerians, political figures and commentators demanding accountability and calling for the minister’s resignation or dismissal pending the outcome of investigations.
Authorities have since launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death. However, officials are yet to release the findings, leaving several questions about the incident unanswered.
