By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government following the failure of Nigeria’s 112 emergency line during a live television demonstration by President Bola Tinubu’s Campaign Spokesperson, Mallam Alwan Hassan.
The NDC described the incident as a national embarrassment and a reflection of what it called the broader failure of the APC administration to deliver essential public services to Nigerians.
In a statement issued by its National Campaign Council Spokesperson, Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, the party said the failed demonstration had exposed serious weaknesses in the country’s emergency response infrastructure.
The party noted that what was intended to showcase the functionality of a critical public safety service instead became an embarrassing illustration of the government’s inability to guarantee reliable emergency services.
It dismissed the explanation that the failure resulted from network issues, insisting that Nigerians require a functional emergency response system rather than excuses and public relations exercises.
According to the NDC, the incident raises serious concerns about the country’s preparedness to respond to accidents, violent attacks, medical emergencies and other life-threatening situations.
The party argued that the problem goes beyond the failed television demonstration, pointing to what it described as widespread challenges in insecurity, poorly equipped hospitals, unreliable public infrastructure, failing institutions and the rising cost of living.
It further accused the APC government of prioritising the defence of its political image over addressing the difficulties confronting ordinary Nigerians.
“Governance is not about what government spokespersons say on television; it is about what ordinary Nigerians experience when they need their government most,” the statement said.
The NDC maintained that public resources and government institutions should be deployed towards delivering effective services rather than creating favourable public narratives.
It also called on the Tinubu administration to acknowledge its shortcomings, address the deficiencies in the emergency response system and stop giving excuses for the failure of critical public services.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the opposition party urged the APC-led government to prepare to leave office, expressing confidence that an NDC government led by its presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and his running mate, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, would provide more efficient leadership and restore good governance.
The party stressed that Nigerians deserve functional institutions, dependable public services and a government capable of protecting their lives.
“Public safety is not a propaganda exercise, and the lives of Nigerians are too important to be reduced to a failed television demonstration,” the statement added.
