Minister of Works David Umahi has rejected claims that he should be held responsible for the death of his staff member, Mary Habila, simply because the incident occurred in a government guest house.
Speaking during an interview on Channels TV, Umahi said the guest house where the incident occurred was separate from the residence where he stayed, arguing that the location alone should not be used to assign blame.
“If someone dies in a government guest house, it does not automatically mean the minister or governor is responsible,” he said.
Umahi maintained that any incident in a government facility should be investigated on its own merits rather than linked to public officials before evidence is examined. He questioned why conclusions were being drawn before investigators had completed their work.
The minister also said Habila’s medical history and treatment records should form part of the investigation. He urged authorities to rely on police findings and medical evidence in determining responsibility, while calling on the public to avoid politicising the case and allow due process to take its course.
