By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has denied allegations of a cover-up surrounding the death of Miss Mary Habila in Uburu, Ebonyi State, insisting that due medical and legal procedures were followed and reiterating his call for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Umahi, through a statement issued by his Media Office on Saturday, was responding to a report by SaharaReporters which alleged that the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death were shrouded in secrecy.
The minister said he received news of the incident with “profound shock and sadness” and had conveyed his condolences to the family of the deceased.
According to the statement, emergency measures were taken immediately after the incident, including contacting medical personnel led by the Chief Medical Director of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, while the Nigeria Police was also notified in line with legal requirements.
The statement said that after Habila’s death was confirmed, Umahi personally met with her parents, sympathised with them and advised that an autopsy be conducted to scientifically determine the exact cause of death. It, however, stated that the family declined the recommendation at the time.
The minister also clarified that the deceased, Miss Mary Habila, and Miss Anita Baski were employees of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences who had been on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works as physiotherapists for the past three years.
Maintaining that an autopsy remained the most credible means of resolving the matter, Umahi urged that the procedure be carried out to establish the truth beyond doubt.
“The Honourable Minister has again reiterated his position that an autopsy must be conducted. He remains convinced that this is the most credible and responsible path to resolving all questions surrounding the unfortunate incident,” the statement read.
He appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation and allow the relevant authorities to carry out their investigations without interference.
The minister also expressed sympathy to the bereaved family, praying for the repose of the deceased and for God to grant her family the strength to bear the loss.