A Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Senate President, Chief Emma Igwe, has defended the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, against calls for his suspension and criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his reaction to the death of Miss Mary Habila.

The aide said that the minister had repeatedly expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation.

In a statement titled, “HABILA, UMAHI, ATIKU: Putting the Cart Before the Horse,” Igwe argued that while every Nigerian has the right to demand a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into Habila’s death, it is wrong to draw conclusions or recommend sanctions before investigators establish the facts.

He said: “The rule of law requires that investigations precede judgments, evidence precede accusations, and due process prevail over public speculation. To call for the suspension of a public official before any investigative findings have been made risks undermining the very principles of justice and fairness that we all seek to uphold.

“This wording criticizes the timing and reasoning of the statement without asserting facts that have not been established.”

Igwe described Atiku’s statement and what he termed the political manoeuvring by some opposition figures to implicate Umahi before the completion of the ongoing investigation as premature and prejudicial.

He stressed that contrary to suggestions that anyone was attempting to obstruct justice, Umahi had publicly supported a comprehensive investigation and called for a proper autopsy to determine the true cause of Habila’s death.

He added, “Contrary to suggestions that anyone is seeking to obstruct justice, Senator David Umahi has publicly supported a comprehensive investigation and has called for a proper autopsy to determine the true cause of Miss Habila’s death.

“He has repeatedly stated his willingness to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies. The investigation is the responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force and other competent authorities. They should be allowed to perform their constitutional duties independently and without political pressure from any quarter.”

Igwe further argued that any call for the minister to step aside should be based on established facts, the law and due process, rather than speculation or public sentiment.

He urged political leaders, civil society organisations, the media and members of the public to refrain from making prejudicial statements while investigations are ongoing, insisting that justice is best served through evidence, transparency and respect for the rule of law.

Igwe expressed sympathy to the family of the late Mary Habila and said he hoped the ongoing investigation would establish the facts promptly so that justice would not only be done but also be seen to be done.