APC sacks Hassan after failed claim about 112 emergency number on live TV

​Hassan had previously alleged that some ministers paid “billions” to secure their appointments in Tinubu’s administration.

​By Kehinde Okeowo

​The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has sacked Alwan Hassan as campaign spokesperson following his recent controversial interviews on Channels TV, noting that only three people are now authorised to speak for the president.

​He was relieved of his duties on Wednesday in a statement signed by the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu and Deputy Director-General (Administration) of the Council, Femi Gbajabiamila.

​The saga began on Tuesday night when Hassan, who appeared as a guest on Channels Television’s programme Politics Today to defend the Tinubu government and showcase its achievements, failed to do so and embarrassed the ruling party.

​Speaking during the interview anchored by popular journalist Seun Okinbaloye, he claimed that one of the biggest achievements of the government was the 112 emergency number.

​According to him, Nigerians could now dial 112—much like Americans dial 911—to get help for health, security, road accidents, and any other distress situation, challenging the presenter to dial the number live.

​ALSO READ: Nigerians blast Tinubu’s campaign spokesperson, Hassan, after claim that 112 emergency number works fails on live TV

​Hassan said, “Take your phone and call 112. Nobody knows about this. We used to hear about it in America, 911. Call 112 now, put it on speaker, and they’ll ask you what your emergency is.”

​However, when Okinbaloye dialled the number as requested, the call failed several times. The embarrassing moment was compounded when Nigerians trooped to social media to berate him and mock the incumbent government.

​Following the incident, Gbajabiamila made it clear that only three people—the campaign Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari; the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, who remains the official spokesperson; and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris—are now allowed to speak for President Tinubu.

​He said, “To ensure more cohesive, disciplined, and effective public engagement, the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has made some changes to the structure of the Directorate of Media and Strategic Communications.”

​Apart from Hassan, all other previously announced spokespersons have now been stripped of their roles and absorbed into the Directorate of Media and Strategic Communications as ordinary members.

​Those affected are Alwan Hassan, Ayobami Oyalowo, Kemi Asekun-Shittu, and Adamu Fanda.

​Prior to the latest incident, Hassan had claimed during another TV interview a few weeks ago that some ministers paid “billions” to secure their appointments in Tinubu’s administration.