By Chukwuemeka Opara
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, says he has initiated legal action against individuals spreading what he described as false reports about a nurse’s death.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports social media claims alleged secrecy surrounding the death of nurse, Mary Habila, inside Umahi’s compound in his hometown.
Umahi spoke on Sunday while inspecting work along the Ebonyi section of the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Super Highway.
He said his lawyers had been fully briefed to pursue legal action against those responsible for circulating the alleged defamatory reports.
Umahi condemned what he described as defamatory activities by “evil people who claim to be freedom fighters”, insisting such conduct should never be tolerated.
He explained that the deceased’s family forced open her room after becoming concerned and immediately sought medical assistance.
“The family broke the girl’s door, called doctors from DUFUTH, who took her to hospital and did everything to revive her, but failed,” he said.
Umahi said the incident was promptly reported to the police, questioning claims that the circumstances surrounding the nurse’s death were concealed.
“The family reported the matter to the police, so where is the secrecy?” the minister asked.
He disclosed that the deceased’s parents, currently in Ebonyi, would address journalists and also institute legal proceedings against those spreading the alleged falsehood.
Umahi said he had directed that an autopsy be conducted, adding that the procedure would only proceed with the consent of the deceased’s parents.
“The death of the purveyors of such falsehood will be worse because you don’t do content creation with someone’s death,” he said.
He added that everyone would eventually answer God’s call, describing the late nurse as a dedicated employee of David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital.
“The deceased was a good nurse who checked my medical vital signs and worked with me for three years,” Umahi said.
The minister also dismissed reports linking him to an alleged kidnap suspect reportedly recruited into the Ebonyi security outfit, Ebubeagu.
“Can the purveyors of such news provide a photograph of me and such person?” he asked.
Umahi said he could not possibly know everyone recruited into the security outfit during his tenure as Ebonyi governor, insisting the suspect was unknown to him.
He reiterated his support for severe punishment against kidnappers, saying kidnapping was a crime no one should wish even upon an enemy.
Umahi maintained that the reports were politically motivated, expressing readiness to confront misinformation and defend his reputation through lawful means. (NAN)
