I was Caught Off Guard, Says Lawmaker Who Seconded Motion She Knew Nothing About
Lawmaker explains viral incident, says she was pressured to second motion without prior knowledge during plenary session.
Lawmaker explains viral incident, says she was pressured to second motion without prior knowledge during plenary session.
The member representing Oyi/Ayamelum Federal Constituency, Maureen Chinwe Gwacham, has explained the circumstances surrounding a viral video in which she appeared unable to describe a motion she seconded on the floor of the House.
The footage, which circulated widely on social media, showed Gwacham seconding a motion but failing to explain its content when prompted, drawing criticism and raising questions about legislative engagement.
In a statement, the lawmaker—who belongs to the All Progressives Grand Alliance—said she was “caught off guard” during plenary. According to her, she had just taken her seat when the Speaker called on her to second the motion without prior briefing.
She clarified that the motion was moved by Muktar Tolani Shagaya and focused on the urgent need to deploy Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public institutions to prevent avoidable deaths.
Gwacham noted that her decision to second the motion was based on trust in the sponsor’s credibility rather than prior knowledge of its details.
Responding to the backlash, she thanked her constituents for their concern and reaffirmed her commitment to legislative duties and constituency representation.
