NDC Slams Tinubu Spokesman Over Failed 112 Emergency Line Test

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s campaign spokesperson, Mallam Alwan Hassan, following his inability to demonstrate that Nigeria’s 112 emergency line was working during a live television programme.

The party described the incident as a national embarrassment, blaming the situation on what it called the failure of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration to provide reliable public services.

The NDC also called on the Federal Government to tackle the problems affecting the emergency response system instead of attributing the failure to network challenges.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Spokesperson of the NDC National Campaign Council, Dr Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, urged the ruling party to accept responsibility for the problems facing the country and stop making excuses to Nigerians.

Ikokwu further asked the APC to begin preparing to leave office in 2027, expressing confidence that an administration led by the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, alongside his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, would provide solutions to the country’s challenges.

The party maintained that Nigerians deserved a government capable of delivering effective services and ensuring that public institutions function properly, particularly in situations where human lives are at risk.

According to the NDC, the failed demonstration exposed concerns about the country’s emergency response infrastructure and raised questions about the government’s ability to protect citizens during critical situations.

It noted that the 112 emergency number should provide quick assistance to people facing accidents, medical emergencies, violent attacks and other dangerous situations.

The opposition party rejected the explanation that network problems were responsible for the failure, insisting that the government should focus on identifying and resolving the challenges affecting the service.

The NDC also linked the incident to what it described as broader problems under the current administration, including insecurity, poorly equipped hospitals, weak public infrastructure, failing institutions and the increasing cost of living.

It accused the government of paying more attention to defending its image and managing public criticism than finding lasting solutions to the difficulties facing ordinary Nigerians.

The party argued that the effectiveness of a government should be measured by the services citizens receive, particularly when they need urgent assistance, rather than the statements made by its representatives during television appearances.

It added that the government should concentrate on restoring the emergency line and ensuring that Nigerians can depend on it whenever their safety is threatened.

The NDC further maintained that a functional emergency response system should be treated as a basic responsibility of government and not as an opportunity for political publicity.

The party renewed its call for the APC-led administration to acknowledge its shortcomings and prepare for a change of government in 2027.

It also expressed the view that the safety of Nigerians should not be turned into a political argument, stressing the need for dependable institutions and public services that can respond effectively when lives are in danger.