The embarrassing moment that has set Nigerian Twitter ablaze
Talk about catching a big man in his own trap! A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) found himself in one of the most cringe-worthy moments Nigerian television has seen in recent memory, after boldly claiming that Nigeria’s 112 emergency number was fully functional — only to be humiliated live on Channels Television when the number refused to connect.
What Happened?
During a live broadcast on Channels Television on Tuesday night, APC chieftain Alwan Hassan, who was part of the APC presidential campaign team, confidently assured viewers that Nigeria’s 112 emergency helpline was working perfectly. For many Nigerians who have long complained that the number is unreliable or completely dead, this was a bold claim to make — especially on live television.
But as they say in Nigeria, “Lie no dey last.”
In what can only be described as divine intervention for truth-seekers everywhere, Alwan Hassan was challenged to prove his claim right there on the spot. He picked up his phone, dialed 112 — and waited. And waited. And waited some more.
The number failed to connect.
The silence that followed was louder than any rebuttal his opponents could have offered.
Nigerians React: “E Don Do Am for Himself”
As expected, the clip wasted no time going viral on Nigerian social media. Twitter (now X), Facebook, and WhatsApp groups erupted with reactions ranging from outright laughter to sharp political commentary.
Many Nigerians used the moment to highlight the broader issue of failed government infrastructure and the culture of politicians making grand claims about services that everyday citizens know do not work.
One Twitter user captured the mood perfectly:
> “This is what happens when you defend what you haven’t used yourself. The 112 number humbled him better than any journalist could.”
Others pointed out the irony of the situation — that a government official championing the APC’s record was undone, not by an opposition argument, but by the very system he was defending.
The 112 Emergency Number Problem in Nigeria
For the uninitiated, 112 is Nigeria’s unified emergency number, designed to connect callers to police, fire services, and medical emergency responders. On paper, it sounds fantastic. In reality, most Nigerians will tell you a different story.
Across states, complaints about the number going unanswered, connecting to the wrong agency, or simply not connecting at all have been widespread. It is the kind of infrastructure gap that affects ordinary Nigerians the most — the trader in Onitsha whose shop catches fire, the mother in Kano whose child needs urgent medical attention, or the student in Lagos who witnesses a robbery.
The 112 drama on Channels Television did not just embarrass one politician. It held up a mirror to a systemic failure that millions of Nigerians live with daily.
The Bigger Picture
This moment is more than just an entertaining clip to share on your family WhatsApp group — though it certainly is that too. It is a reminder of the accountability gap between what Nigerian politicians promise and what citizens actually experience on the ground.
When leaders are insulated from the realities of everyday Nigerian life, they can afford to make claims that any market woman in Aba or bricklayer in Abuja would instantly know to be false. It is only when confronted with that reality — as Alwan Hassan was, live on national television — that the gap becomes impossible to ignore.
As Nigeria heads deeper into its political season, moments like these serve as a sharp reminder: Nigerians are watching, and the camera never lies.
What do you think? Have you ever tried calling 112 in an emergency? Share your experience in the comments below.
Get the full gist on buzzUp9ja.
Be the first to comment