Umahi clarified the circumstances surrounding the nurse’s death, stating that her family, concerned after being unable to reach her, broke into her room and immediately called for medical assistance.
Doctors from the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), where the late nurse had worked for three years, responded and made every effort to revive her, but were unsuccessful. The incident was promptly reported to the police.
Condemning the spread of what he described as defamatory and malicious reports, Umahi said, “These activities by so-called freedom fighters are unacceptable and must not be tolerated.” He has instructed his lawyers to take legal action against those responsible for the alleged falsehoods, and revealed that the deceased’s parents, who are currently in Ebonyi, would also address the press and pursue legal redress.
Umahi emphasized that there was no attempt to conceal the circumstances of the nurse’s death, asking, The family reported the matter to the police, so where is the secrecy? He also stated that an autopsy had been ordered, but that it would proceed only with the consent of the deceased’s parents.
Speaking further, Umahi denounced those who spread misinformation for personal gain, saying, The consequences for those who create content out of someone’s death will be severe. Everyone will eventually answer to God. He described the late Mary Habila as a dedicated nurse who had worked closely with him for three years.
The Minister also dismissed reports linking him to an alleged kidnap suspect said to have been recruited into the Ebonyi security outfit, Ebubeagu. Can those spreading these stories provide a photograph of me with such a person? he asked, noting that as former governor, he could not possibly know every individual recruited into the security outfit, and reiterating that the suspect was unknown to him.
Umahi reaffirmed his stance in support of severe penalties for kidnappers, stressing, Kidnapping is a crime no one should ever wish upon even an enemy. He concluded that the reports against him were politically motivated and expressed his commitment to challenging misinformation and defending his reputation through legal means.
(NAN)
