“I Don’t Know the Motion” – Backlash as Nigerian lawmaker admits supporting motion she doesn’t know

A short video clip from Thursday’s legislative sitting has sparked widespread debate across 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 supported.

The moment, which quickly went viral online, involved Gwacham Maureen Chinwe, a first-term legislator representing the Oyi/Ayamelum federal constituency of Anambra State.

In the clip, Chinwe rises during plenary to second a motion moved by another lawmaker. However, when the Speaker asked her to specify the motion she was supporting, she responded that she did not know, explaining that she had just arrived at the session.

Her candid admission drew laughter and cheers from some lawmakers present in the chamber, but the exchange soon gained wider attention after the video began circulating on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter).

The clip has since triggered a wave of reactions online, with many Nigerians debating whether the moment reflected harmless spontaneity or a deeper problem within the country’s legislative system.

While some observers suggested the exchange may have been lighthearted, many social media users criticised the situation, arguing that it raised concerns about the seriousness of legislative responsibilities.

A user identified as Everest, with the handle @novieverest, questioned the implications of supporting a motion without knowing its content.

“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 X user, @CatiaKyen, also expressed disbelief at the development.

“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 said.

Similarly, @ejykmykel1 reacted with frustration, posting, “What a country. Haba Nigeria, who did we offend?”

For some viewers, the reaction of lawmakers inside the chamberb- particularly the laughter that followed the admission- added to their disappointment.

“And they’re laughing. You dey second motion and don’t know the motion. Be like these people dey set themselves up sometimes, if not what’s this,” wrote @SheardySaint.

Others used the incident to express broader dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s political leadership and governance challenges.

User @imfadar linked the moment to wider national concerns.

“This is Nigeria where minority pack all the nation’s wealth into their personal pockets without doing anything other than to sit, gist and share millions within themselves. Meanwhile our military are inside bush without food and PPEs,” the user wrote.

Another commentator, @ACrowd34, described the situation as indicative of deeper systemic problems.

“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 posted.

Some reactions also took a more satirical tone. @AdexSar joked that perhaps the lawmaker was backing an unseen influence.

“Maybe she support the motion of her village people who followed her to house of rep,” the user wrote.

Another commentator, @NobleKing53, questioned the competence of political leadership in the country.

“How can the country move forward when illiterates grabbed power? Is this the kind of mind that’ll set the country to the right trajectory? The answer is absolutely no but fools will still sing their praises,” the user wrote.

The viral clip has reignited discussions about legislative accountability and the expectations Nigerians have of their elected representatives.

Watch clip here