NANS tackle Northern youths, defend Umahi over autopsy request in mary Habila’s death

By Editor

Leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students NANS has taken on the Northern Youth Council over its seven-day ultimatum demanding that Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, because of the death Mary Habila.

In a statement released in Abuja obtained by the Presidentstrides online, the NANS were skeptical about the demand by the Northern youths for the Minister to step aside, questioning the timing and motive behind the demand, given the Council’s lack of prior track record on youth empowerment issues.

NANS said it found it curious that a group with no established history of championing the welfare of Northern youths would suddenly emerge to issue such an ultimatum, especially against a minister who had himself written to the police requesting an autopsy to determine the cause of Late Mary Habila’s death.

The association, which describes itself as the most formidable pressure group in Nigeria, said its mandate extends beyond students’ welfare to include contributing to national discourse, policy formulation, and providing oversight of government institutions.

NANS said it had been monitoring developments around Miss Habila’s death without bias, and while extending condolences to her family, warned that the tragedy must not be exploited by any group or individual to pursue personal vendettas or political gain.

According to the group, available reports and documents show that Umahi has consistently called for the actual cause and circumstances of Miss Habila’s death to be established, and had formally requested an autopsy — a request reportedly opposed by the deceased’s family.

NANS questioned the rationale behind the Northern Youth Council’s ultimatum, arguing that a genuinely impartial group interested in justice would not demand the Minister’s removal when he had shown openness to scrutiny and investigation. The association accused the Council of misplacing its priorities and mandate.

Reaffirming its commitment to justice and fairness “that shields no one, regardless of class or status,” NANS called on the Northern Youth Council to desist from using the situation to attack the Minister, whom it described as a efficient performer. The group said it was familiar with official project reports from the Ministry of Works and had observed the quality of roads being constructed nationwide, insisting Umahi had not faltered in his official duties and should not be coerced into resigning over unsubstantiated allegations.

NANS further denounced the Council’s call for Umahi’s removal as an “ill-conceived attack” on a minister who had officially requested a police autopsy to establish the truth behind Miss Habila’s death. It urged the Council to stop targeting the Minister — who it said has been working to deliver quality road infrastructure under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda — and instead approach the matter with logic and impartiality.