Why I Seconded motion I knew nothing about – Nigerian Lawmaker, Gwacham

The member representing Oyi/Ayamelum Federal Constituency, Maureen Chinwe Gwacham, has clarified the reason for seconding a motion she knew nothing about during the plenary.

Naija News reports that this comes after a viral video of Gwacham made the rounds online, showing her seconding a motion, but she failed to explain the motion when the Speaker asked her about it.

The video had elicited a lot of condemnation, with many saying the lawmaker was only a bench warmer and knew nothing about the business of the chambers.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) lawmaker said she was caught off guard by the Speaker, who cajoled her into seconding the motion.

According to Gwacham, the Speaker had demanded that she second the motion as she had just stepped into the chambers and settled into her seat, without knowledge of the motion or who moved it.

The lawmaker further thanked her constituents who reached out with concern and restated her legislative focus.

She said, “I was momentarily caught off guard during plenary, I was just settling into my seat when Mr. Speaker beckoned on me to second the motion moved by Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya, an equally cerebral legislator with a reputation for moving credible motions.

“The motion in question seeks the Urgent Need to Provide Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Government Institutions and Public Buildings Across Nigeria to Prevent Avoidable Loss of Life.

“My focus remains on delivering for the good people of Oyi/Ayamelum, and I appreciate the continued confidence they have reposed in me.”