
Several civil society organizations have suspended their planned protest over the death of Late Mary Habila after expressing confidence in the assurances and commitments made by the Minister of Works, David Umahi. The groups said their decision followed consultations with relevant stakeholders and the government’s pledge to ensure that the issues surrounding the case receive appropriate attention. According to the organizations, they remain committed to seeking justice, accountability, and transparency, but believe constructive dialogue offers a better path toward achieving meaningful outcomes at this stage. They noted that the decision to shelve the protest should not be interpreted as abandoning the pursuit of justice but rather as an opportunity to allow ongoing engagements and official processes to proceed without disruption. The groups commended Umahi for his willingness to engage with concerned stakeholders and for demonstrating readiness to address the matters raised following Mary Habila’s death. They also urged government agencies to ensure that investigations, where applicable, are conducted thoroughly, fairly, and without unnecessary delay. Civil society leaders emphasized that they will continue to monitor developments closely and remain prepared to take lawful action if expectations for transparency and accountability are not met. They further called on the authorities to strengthen measures that protect citizens and improve public confidence in government institutions. The organizations appealed to supporters and members of the public to remain calm while allowing the relevant authorities to carry out their responsibilities. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting justice, human rights, and responsible civic engagement through peaceful and lawful means. The development reflects a renewed emphasis on dialogue and cooperation as stakeholders seek lasting solutions and accountability in the aftermath of the incident involving the late Mary Habila.