“Is This A Joke?” — Nigerians React Emotionally to Swearing-in of Abua Councilors in Oversized Tinubu Caps

Reported by Suzan Daniel | Sele Media Africa

A viral image from the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected councilors and the Leader of the House at the Abua Legislative Assembly in Rivers State has sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians questioning the seriousness and symbolism of the event.

The photos, which began circulating on social media shortly after the ceremony, show the officials wearing oversized caps bearing the name and image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The awkward fit and the visibly confused expressions on some of the officials have led to outrage, satire, and emotional commentary from citizens across the country.

“This is embarrassing. Are these really the leaders we just elected? Is this a legislative house or a campaign rally?” a user commented on X (formerly Twitter).

Another wrote: “Is this a joke? These are lawmakers, not clowns. And yet we ask why governance keeps failing at the grassroots.”

Critics argue that the use of politically branded attire at an official government function undermines the independence of local government institutions and reinforces allegations of overbearing political influence from the centre.

Some also raised concerns about the lack of decorum, pointing to the fact that no legislative agenda was discussed during the publicised session—only photo ops and party displays.

While supporters of the ruling party downplayed the issue, many Nigerians called it a symptom of a deeper problem: the politicisation of local governance and the lack of real leadership capacity among elected officials.

As reactions continue to pour in, Sele Media Africa is monitoring the unfolding conversation and will update the story as more information becomes available.