President Bola Tinubu has directed Minister of Works David Umahi to focus on road construction despite demands for his removal following the death of ministry staff member Mary Habila.
Umahi made the disclosure while speaking to journalists on Monday, weeks after Habila died at a property linked to him in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
According to Umahi, the President rejected calls for his sack and gave him a clear instruction.
“When people took the death of one of my staff and started playing politics with it, they said the president should sack me,” Umahi said.
He added that Tinubu told him: “Dave, go and build more roads.”
Why Calls For Umahi’s Removal Began
Habila died on June 27, 2026, at accommodation within Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
Her death led political groups and civil society organisations to demand an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria called for Umahi’s suspension and resignation and demanded an independent autopsy. The Allied People’s Movement also asked Tinubu to suspend the minister and order an independent investigation.
Umahi has described Habila as a nurse who worked with him for about three years and had a close relationship with his family.
He also said Habila spoke with her boyfriend before her death and complained of nose bleeding.
What Umahi Said About The Investigation
Umahi has called for an autopsy to establish the cause of Habila’s death.
The Ebonyi State Police Command said it would proceed with an autopsy as investigators examine the circumstances of the death.
However, Umahi did not give a fresh update on the investigation when he spoke to journalists on Monday.
Instead, the minister addressed the calls for his removal and pointed to Tinubu’s instruction.
“Power and might don’t belong to social media; they belong to God,” Umahi said.
He said he would continue with his duties as Works Minister and focus on the federal government’s road projects.
