Umahi Claims Tinubu Backed Him Amid Calls for Sack Over Habila's Death, Says President Told Him 'Dave, Go and Build More Roads'

Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has declared that President Bola Tinubu ignored widespread calls for his removal from office following the controversial death of a female staff member at his private residence, and instead urged him to remain focused on delivering infrastructure projects across the country. In a video that began trending on social media on Monday, August 3, 2026, Umahi addressed the public outcry that followed the death of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old nurse who died on June 27, 2026, at his residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Umahi, who has faced mounting pressure from opposition figures, civil society groups, and members of the public demanding his suspension or dismissal, said that President Tinubu's response surprised his critics. “When people took the death of one of my staff and started playing politics with it, they said the president should sack me, but the president surprised all of them and said, 'Dave, go and build more roads',” Umahi stated in the video. He questioned the basis of the calls for his removal, asking: “Why should you sack me? For doing what? So anybody that is working with you and dies, then you must be sacked?”.

The minister's comments come amid an ongoing police investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila's death, which has sparked widespread public interest and debate. Habila, who was described by Umahi as a physiotherapist seconded from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) to the Federal Ministry of Works, died at the minister's residence. However, the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy later challenged this claim, stating that Habila was not registered as a licensed physiotherapist, with subsequent reports identifying her as a Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW).

The death prompted calls from various quarters for Umahi to step aside. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urged President Tinubu to direct Umahi to "step aside immediately, pending the conclusion of investigations," describing it as "the minimum standard of public accountability in any serious democracy". The Allied People's Movement (APM) also demanded Umahi's suspension pending an "open, independent and transparent inquest". The Incorporated Trustees of the Southern Kaduna Peoples' United Associations (SOKAPU) filed a N20 billion suit against the minister over the loss of life, alleging a breach of duty of care while the deceased was in his custody. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore also called for Umahi's immediate arrest, investigation, and sack.

Umahi has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has insisted that there was no attempt to cover up the incident. He had requested the Ebonyi State Police Command to conduct an autopsy on Habila's body, describing it as necessary to establish the actual cause and circumstances of her death. However, Habila's family initially rejected the request, insisting they did not want an autopsy performed and wanted her buried according to their wishes. The family later agreed to the procedure on the condition that the case be transferred from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The Nigeria Police Force subsequently assumed responsibility for the investigation, and Habila's body was moved to the National Hospital in Abuja for a forensic autopsy. The outcome of the investigation is still being awaited.

In his video address, Umahi expressed deep regret over the incident and revealed that, out of respect for the deceased, he instructed his supporters not to organise any celebrations for his recent birthday because he was in mourning. He also offered a prayer regarding the controversy: “My prayer is that if any member of my family or I had any hand in it, let our own fate be worse,” he said. “But for those who want to profit from it and play politics with it, if what they are saying is true, let it be well with them. Otherwise, the fate that befell the young lady will be worse for them”.

The minister also said that after he returned from the President, he received commendation from the Federal Executive Council, which gave him strength. He thanked the President for his confidence in him and pledged to continue delivering infrastructure projects. As the investigation into Mary Habila's death continues, the public awaits the outcome of the probe, while the calls for accountability and transparency in the handling of the case persist.

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