Nigerian actress, activist, and vocal social critic Hilda Dokubo has once again stirred public conversation, this time reacting to a trending video that shows a member of the House of Representatives struggling to move a motion during a plenary session. The now-viral clip, which has been making the rounds on social media, captures an awkward and embarrassing moment where the lawmaker, whose identity has yet to be officially confirmed, faltered repeatedly while trying to articulate a simple motion before the House.

As the video played out, it revealed more than just an individual’s difficulty with public speaking. It struck a nerve across the country, igniting debates about the competence of public office holders, the quality of representation in Nigeria’s legislative arm, and the consequences of electing individuals based on political affiliations rather than merit. And for someone like Hilda Dokubo—who has never been shy about confronting uncomfortable truths—the moment was too glaring to ignore.

Taking to her Instagram handle @hildadokubo, the veteran actress reposted the video alongside a sharply worded caption that captured both her frustration and signature wit. “Can we all give him a big round of applause. Kai! Can you all see why they don’t speak? Why those of us who can speak, annoy them?” she wrote. “See what a member of the House of Representatives is doing to his people. Let me go and sleep bikonu.”

The post, dripping with sarcasm and dismay, immediately caught fire online, with thousands of likes and hundreds of comments pouring in within hours. Nigerians from all walks of life resonated with her sentiments, using her page as a platform to vent their own frustrations about political representation—or lack thereof. “This is what happens when we prioritize stomach infrastructure over real qualifications,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “And this is someone with the power to decide the future of millions. God help us.”

The video itself shows the lawmaker stuttering over his words, mispronouncing basic phrases, and at one point, appearing completely lost in the motion he was supposed to present. The Speaker of the House and other members looked on, visibly uncomfortable, while the gallery buzzed with low murmurs. Though the clip is barely a minute long, it has opened a can of worms—highlighting issues that Nigerians have long complained about but often pushed aside in favor of political tribalism and party loyalty.

Hilda Dokubo’s reaction is far from surprising to anyone familiar with her track record. Over the years, she has evolved from just being one of Nollywood’s most respected actresses into a passionate advocate for good governance, youth empowerment, and civic engagement. Known for speaking truth to power, her voice carries weight, especially when it reflects the unspoken frustration of a nation.

But beyond the viral moment and the laughs shared across platforms like Twitter and Instagram, Dokubo’s commentary cuts deeper. The video is a mirror held up to Nigeria’s democratic structure—where individuals, often lacking basic communication or leadership skills, are propelled into public office by the machinery of political godfathers or vote buying tactics. It’s not just a gaffe; it’s a symptom of a bigger, systemic problem.

Many observers noted the irony that lawmakers, who are meant to be the voice of the people, are often the ones who remain silent or incoherent during critical debates. Dokubo’s rhetorical question—“Can you all see why they don’t speak?”—was less about that one representative and more about a larger pattern within Nigeria’s legislature. It’s a frustration that has been brewing for years: educated, articulate, and visionary citizens are often sidelined, while underqualified individuals take the stage.

The hashtag #HouseOfRepresentatives even began trending, with users sharing other clips and anecdotes of embarrassing parliamentary moments, creating a collage of concern that’s difficult to ignore. “If you can’t read a motion, how can you pass a bill?” one user tweeted, tagging Hilda Dokubo’s post. Others called for more public scrutiny during elections, insisting that every candidate must be held to a higher standard—regardless of political party or region.

Still, amidst the outrage, some tried to inject humor into the situation, turning the clip into memes and skits, some of which even featured Dokubo’s “Let me go and sleep bikonu” as a punchline. Nigerian humor, always sharp and swift, was in full force, but so too was the underlying seriousness of the matter.

As the video continues to circulate, calls for better vetting processes, stricter educational requirements for political office, and more civic education are gaining momentum. Civic groups and NGOs have started reposting the video in their advocacy campaigns, using it as a rallying point for more youth participation in politics and a demand for accountability.

Hilda Dokubo, meanwhile, has not made any additional comments on the issue—at least not yet. But her words, brief as they were, did what they were meant to do: spark conversation, shake the status quo, and remind Nigerians not to stay asleep while mediocrity takes center stage.

With general elections behind us and a fresh legislative term underway, moments like these serve as a crucial checkpoint. Are we paying attention to the people we vote for? Are we demanding enough from our lawmakers? Are we too easily swayed by party logos, cash handouts, or empty promises? The video may fade from headlines, but the questions it raises—and Hilda Dokubo’s piercing response—should linger far longer.

In a nation where the stakes are so high, and every policy can affect millions, it's not just enough to have a seat at the table. You must know how to speak when it matters. And when you can’t, voices like Hilda Dokubo’s will be right there, reminding everyone what leadership should look like.