Drama As APC Sacks Campaign Spokesperson, Alwan Hassan After Controversial Channels TV Interview
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has removed Alwan Hassan as one of its campaign spokespersons following his controversial appearance on Channels Television.
The decision was announced on Wednesday in a statement signed by the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu and Deputy Director-General (Administration) of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Femi Gbajabiamila.
According to the announcement, only three officials are now authorised to speak on behalf of the campaign.
They are the Director-General of the Council, Abdulaziz Yari; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, who retains his position as the official spokesperson; and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
The council also announced the removal of all other previously appointed spokespersons from their positions, directing them to operate as ordinary members of the Directorate of Media and Strategic Communications.
Those affected include Alwan Hassan, Ayobami Oyalowo, Kemi Asekun-Shittu and Adamu Fanda.
Controversial 112 Emergency Number Interview
Hassan’s removal comes after his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday night, where he was expected to defend the Tinubu administration and highlight its achievements.
During the interview, Hassan identified the introduction of the 112 emergency telephone number as one of the government’s major accomplishments.
He explained that Nigerians could now dial 112, just as Americans use 911, to seek assistance during medical emergencies, security threats, road accidents and other distress situations.
He subsequently challenged the programme’s presenter to dial the number during the live broadcast.
“Take your phone and call 112. Nobody knows about this. We used to hear it in America, 911. Call 112 now, put it on the speaker, and they’ll ask you what’s your emergency,” Hassan said.
However, the attempt to demonstrate the service failed several times after the presenter dialled the emergency number during the programme.
The incident generated reactions on social media, with viewers questioning Hassan’s claims about the accessibility and effectiveness of the emergency service.
Previous Controversial Claim About Ministers
Hassan had also attracted public attention weeks earlier following another television interview in which he claimed that some ministers paid billions of naira to secure appointments in President Tinubu’s administration.
The allegation generated controversy, particularly over the circumstances surrounding ministerial appointments under the current administration.
His latest television appearance appears to have further intensified scrutiny of his role as a spokesperson for the ruling party’s presidential campaign.
