By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has rejected the defence of the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, by former Southeast presidential spokesperson, Denge Josef Onoh, over the death of Mary Habila.

The council described Onoh's remarks as an attempt to downplay what it called the tragic and suspicious death of Habila, insisting that justice must take precedence over political considerations.

The National President of the council, Isah Abubakar, stated this in a statement issued to newsmen on Thursday in Kaduna.

Abubakar said Onoh, in a statement published in the Nation, the Guardian* and Vanguard newspapers on Thursday, accused the NYCN of politicising Habila's death.

He alleged that Onoh had chosen "political sycophancy over the sanctity of human life" by defending the minister instead of supporting calls for accountability.

Abubakar questioned whether Onoh would have maintained the same position if the deceased had been his biological daughter or sister.

"It is easy to preach patience and due process when it is not your own blood lying cold in a mortuary," he said.

The NYCN president dismissed claims that the council's position was politically or ethnically motivated, insisting that its record demonstrated consistent advocacy for justice across Nigeria.

According to him, the council has repeatedly spoken against insecurity, extrajudicial actions and injustice in all six geopolitical zones, regardless of ethnic, religious or regional affiliations.

He stressed that the council's concern was rooted in humanity and justice, describing Habila as a young Nigerian professional whose life was cut short under questionable circumstances.

Abubakar reiterated the council's demand that Umahi should immediately step aside from office while investigations into the incident continue.

He argued that the minister's continued stay in office could pose the risk of political or administrative influence over investigators because of his position and influence as a former governor and serving minister.

According to him, permitting a powerful public official to remain in office during an active investigation could undermine public confidence in the outcome of the probe.

He added that in established democracies, public officials facing investigations often step aside to ensure transparent, independent and unbiased investigations.

Abubakar questioned why Nigeria should operate below such standards, insisting that accountability should apply equally to all public office holders.

He said the council's position remained "clear, logical and unshakeable," adding that its demands were sacrosanct.

The NYCN president said the council would not be silenced, intimidated or persuaded to abandon its position on the matter.

He urged the Federal Government and relevant authorities to ensure an independent, rigorous and untainted forensic investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila's death.

Abubakar maintained that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, adding that only a transparent investigation would restore public confidence in the process.