NANS Knocks Northern Group Demanding Umahi's Removal, Says Autopsy Necessary

'The decision to subject the deceased to a post-mortem examination should be respected as it would help establish the facts surrounding the incident.'

• Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, NANS National President

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticised the Northern Youth Council for demanding the removal of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, over the death of Miss Mary Habila.

According to reports, Engr. Umahi had consistently maintained that the circumstances surrounding Miss Habila's death should be properly investigated and that he had reportedly requested an autopsy to determine the cause of death. However, the Northern Youth Council went ahead to call for his resignation.

NANS in a statement by its National President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, said the decision to subject the deceased to a post-mortem examination should be respected as it would help establish the facts surrounding the incident. The association also commended Engr. Umahi's performance as Minister of Works, saying it had monitored projects under the ministry and observed the quality of road construction across the country.

But NANS questioned the rationale behind the Northern Youth Council's call for the minister to step aside despite his reported willingness to support an investigation into the matter. The association described the council's action as misplaced, arguing that the minister should not be judged based on unproven allegations.

NANS also condemned the call for Engr. Umahi's removal, urging the Northern Youth Council to approach the matter objectively and avoid what it described as attacks on a public officer who has continued to execute the mandate of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The association also noted that its role extends beyond students' welfare advocacy, noting that it also has a responsibility to contribute to national issues, policy discussions and accountability in public institutions. According to NANS, the death of a young Nigerian is a serious matter that should not be exploited by individuals or groups for personal interests, political motives or sentiments.

NANS also mentioned that the Northern Youth Council's actions are a bad precedence and could lead to more chaos in the country. The association also called on the Northern Youth Council to desist from such acts and allow the investigation to run its course.

Meanwhile, Engr. Umahi has been a Minister of Works since 2026 and has been doing a great job according to NANS. The association also noted that Engr. Umahi's removal would be a setback to the country's development.

Engr. Umahi is a Nigerian politician who has served as Minister of Works since 2026. He was appointed by President Bola Tinubu and has been a key player in the administration's infrastructure development agenda.

NANS also noted that the Northern Youth Council's actions are a manifestation of the growing trend of politicking in the country. The association also called on the government to take a stern stance against such acts.

In conclusion, NANS has come to the defence of Engr. Umahi and has urged the Northern Youth Council to respect the investigation into Miss Habila's death and allow the autopsy to determine the cause of death.