Post by Stephen Onuh Uwodi (@Enefuojo)
JUSTICE FOR MARY HABILA MUST RISE ABOVE POLITICS
Mary Habila was not a political slogan. She was not a headline. She was not a pawn in the endless battles between political parties. She was a human being—a daughter, a sister, a niece, a friend, and a Nigerian whose life had immeasurable value. Her death deserves the same seriousness, dignity, and commitment to justice that every Nigerian would demand for their own loved one.
The circumstances surrounding her death have understandably raised questions because she reportedly died within the residence of a serving Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That fact alone makes a thorough, credible, and transparent investigation not only appropriate but necessary. In a democratic society governed by the rule of law, no public official should consider legitimate public scrutiny an attack, and no citizen should be condemned for asking reasonable questions.
The Minister has publicly denied any wrongdoing and has called for a full investigation. That position should be welcomed. However, words alone are not enough. The investigation must be independent, professional, transparent, and free from any form of political interference or influence. Nigerians deserve an investigation whose findings can command public confidence.
The questions being asked are neither malicious nor disrespectful. How did Mary Habila die? What will the autopsy reveal? Who was with her in her final moments? Was every proper procedure followed? These are questions that any responsible society would ask whenever a citizen dies under unclear circumstances, particularly where a senior public official's residence is involved.
At the same time, justice demands restraint. It would be wrong to pronounce anyone guilty before the evidence is examined. It would be equally wrong to dismiss legitimate concerns simply because the person involved occupies high office. Justice is not served by mob judgment, nor is it served by blind political loyalty. It is served by facts, evidence, due process, and accountability.
Nigeria cannot continue to operate a system where the powerful are presumed innocent without scrutiny while ordinary citizens struggle to obtain justice. Neither can we normalize public trials driven by speculation instead of evidence. The law must apply equally to everyone, regardless of office, influence, wealth, or political affiliation.
If the investigation establishes that David Umahi bears no responsibility, then the evidence should clear his name beyond reasonable doubt. If it establishes that any individual is responsible, directly or indirectly, then that person must face the full consequences of the law without fear or favour. That is the essence of justice and the foundation of public trust in democratic institutions.
Mary Habila no longer has a voice. She cannot explain what happened to her. It is therefore the responsibility of the justice system—and indeed every Nigerian who believes in fairness—to ensure that her death is investigated with honesty, integrity, and transparency.
This is not about APC, PDP, ADC, Labour Party, or any other political platform. It is about protecting the sanctity of human life and affirming that every Nigerian life matters. A nation that fails to seek the truth when one of its citizens dies under questionable circumstances weakens the very foundations of justice and accountability.
There should be no cover-up. There should be no witch-hunt. There should only be an unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. That is what Mary Habila deserves. That is what her family deserves. That is what every Nigerian deserves.
Because if we remain silent today, we risk creating a society where justice depends on status rather than truth. And tomorrow, the victim could be anyone's daughter, anyone's sister, or anyone's loved one.
Stephen Onuh Uwodi
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