The Advocacy for the Empowerment of Nigerian Women and Children (AENWC) has called on Nigerians to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding as investigations continue into the tragic death of Miss Mary Habila, warning against prejudging the outcome of the probe or demanding sanctions against individuals before the facts are established.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna and signed by its national coordinator, Hajiya Salmat A. Abdullahi, the organisation expressed concern over the growing public reactions surrounding the incident, describing the death of the young woman as tragic and deserving of a thorough, transparent and professional investigation.
AENWC said while Nigerians have the constitutional right to express their views and assemble peacefully, such rights should be exercised responsibly in a manner that does not undermine ongoing investigations or threaten public order.
The group stressed that no individual should be condemned solely on the basis of allegations circulating in the public space or on social media.
“To demand the resignation of a serving minister before the conclusion of investigations establishes a dangerous precedent capable of undermining democratic governance and the administration of criminal justice,” the statement said.
The organisation therefore rejected calls for the resignation of the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, insisting that the circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s death remain under investigation by relevant law enforcement agencies.
“Until the investigation is concluded, every attempt to assign blame to any individual is premature and unjustified,” it stated.
AENWC also commended the Minister for reportedly inviting the police to investigate the incident, noting that no official report from the Ministry of Works had established any wrongdoing on his part.
The organisation urged the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a prompt, impartial and evidence-based investigation, ensuring that all witnesses are heard, forensic procedures are completed and every available piece of evidence is objectively examined.
According to the group, the investigation should follow the evidence wherever it leads and be concluded within a reasonable period.
It further called on the relevant authorities to keep the public informed where legally permissible in order to promote transparency and sustain confidence in the investigative process.
The group maintained that accountability and due process are complementary principles, stressing that seeking justice for Mary Habila should not come at the expense of the constitutional rights of those who may become subjects of investigation.
“A credible justice system must protect both the rights of victims and those under investigation,” it said.
AENWC also urged government institutions, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, youth organisations, professional bodies and the media to promote peace, responsibility and respect for the rule of law by avoiding statements capable of prejudicing the outcome of the investigation.
The organisation expressed solidarity with the family of the deceased, assuring them that their quest for truth and justice is legitimate and deserving of full support.
It added that the incident underscores the need to strengthen systems that protect women and girls, improve workplace welfare, encourage prompt reporting of cases affecting women, and ensure that allegations relating to their safety receive swift and professional attention.
Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of women and children, AENWC said it would continue advocating stronger institutions, equal access to justice, respect for human rights and policies that safeguard vulnerable Nigerians.
The group appealed to Nigerians to allow security agencies to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without interference, insisting that the credibility of public institutions depends on their ability to establish the truth and ensure justice in accordance with the law.
It prayed for the peaceful repose of Mary Habila’s soul and urged that justice be allowed to take its lawful course.
