A short video from Thursday’s legislative sitting has triggered widespread reactions on social media after a Nigerian lawmaker admitted on the floor of the House of Representatives that she did not know the motion she had just seconded.
The incident involved Gwacham Maureen Chinwe, a first-term lawmaker representing the Oyi/Ayamelum federal constituency of Anambra State.
In the clip, Chinwe is seen rising during plenary to second a motion moved by a colleague. However, when the Speaker asked her to identify the motion she was supporting, she responded that she did not know, explaining that she had just arrived at the session.
Her response drew laughter and cheers from some lawmakers in the chamber, but the moment quickly gained traction online after the video circulated on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter).
The footage has since divided opinion, with some describing it as a harmless and spontaneous exchange, while others criticised it as reflective of poor legislative seriousness and accountability.
Many social media users expressed frustration over the incident, arguing that lawmakers should be fully aware of proceedings before lending support to motions.
A user identified as Everest, with the handle @novieverest, questioned the implications of such conduct.
“She does not know the motion but she supports the motion. It could be a motion that can end someone's life, but she does not care,” the user wrote.
Another user, @CatiaKyen, said the incident reflected a troubling state of affairs.
“Who did we offend in this country? Can you imagine this level of unseriousness from someone who is supposed to be representing her people, Haba,” the user wrote.
Similarly, @ejykmykel1 added, “What a country. Haba Nigeria, who did we offend?”
Others pointed to the reaction inside the chamber, particularly the laughter that followed her admission, as further cause for concern.
“And they're laughing. You dey second motion and don't know the motion… Be like these people dey set themselves up sometimes,” wrote @SheardySaint.
Some commentators linked the incident to broader governance frustrations in the country.
User @imfadar said: “This is Nigeria where minority pack all the nation’s wealth into their personal pockets… Meanwhile our military are inside bush without food and PPEs.”
Another user, @ACrowd34, said the episode highlighted deeper systemic issues.
“She is supporting a motion that she doesn't know about. Eloquence in English doesn't amount to intelligence. Nigeria needs total overhauling,” the user said.
Satirical and critical reactions also trailed the clip. @AdexSar suggested unseen influences may have played a role, while @NobleKing53 questioned the competence of political leadership, arguing that the country cannot progress under such conditions.
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