19 Aug 2007 |
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In what turned out to be a low-key event spiced with thanksgiving and prayers, Nigeria's number 4 citizen, Mrs. Patricia Olubunmi Ette, Speaker of the House of Representatives marked her 54th birthday in Bowie, Maryland Friday evening explaining that the idea of the party was much of a surprise to her, Empowered Newswire, a US-based Nigerian news agency reports.
Although previous reports quoting some members of the House of Representatives in Nigeria had indicated that the Speaker was not in town for any party but only on medical check-up, the event drew the attendance of the Acting Nigerian Ambassador to the US Ambassador Usman Baraya, Ogun State Assembly Speaker Titi Oseni and several other members of the House of Representatives.
Some of the federal representatives cited at the party included Honorable Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Honorable Festus Adegoke, and Beni Lar, among others totalling about 10 members.
It is believed that the party plans were scaled down considerably after news about how National Assembly were arriving in the US on invitation to the party was broken by Empowered Newswire, a US-based Nigerian news agency. If the party had not been planned before now with the full knowlegde of the speaker, the question persisted, how was it possible to have all the dignitaries present at the event within the short notice of the speaker's physical arrival in the US days ago?
Speaking at the event, Ette donning a simple "Ankara" dress denied making any elaborate plans for the party, adding that it was her family relatives who hosted the event and came up with the surprise party idea. She said she later accepted to play along as it was an opportunity for thanksgiving. She was thankful to those who joined the celebrations, many of whom came with gifts and presents. Nigeria's acting Ambassador to the US also gave her a gift on behalf of the Nigerian embassy in the US.
In her own remarks at the event, the Ogun State Assembly Speaker Oseni described Ette as a friend, sister and mentor, observing that she was honored to be present at the event. Ambassador Baraya on his part noted that Ette was the kind of federal legislator who when she travels out of the country always makes it a point to visit the Nigerian embassy whereever she goes. Baraya said he had always known her and met her at his different diplomatic postings.
Guests and eye witness accounts disclosed that the party was hosted by the Speaker's relative in Maryland, Ms. Tinuke Palmer, a US-based real estate businesswoman, but some aides and assistants of the Speaker were also giving a helping hand at the event, although it was a "serve-yourself-party". Palmer said she had planned the event, which was actually opened to all, as no one was turned back. She said it was also intended to celebrate the Speaker's recent elevation to that high office.
Over 100 cars were counted arriving and departing from the event, which was billed to start around 6pm, and went past midnight on Friday. Eye witness accounts said at a point the street was blocked with cars.
Prayers were said at the party for the speaker that God may give her wisdom to carry out the responsibilities of her office. After the praying, singing and thanksgiving, Ette received gifts from several of the guests.
Earlier reports quoted Ette's assistants claiming that she was visiting the US to give a lecture, while sources close to her family relatives in Maryland said she had been to the hospital for a medical check-up before the party on Friday evening. But no disclosure of the lecture venue, or purpose was however given. The name of the hospital where she had her medical check-up was also not given. But sources close to the Speaker said she undertook some medical tests on Friday and awaiting the results on Monday after which she would be returning to Nigeria. The Speaker was said to have traveled to the US en-route from London
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Photo Credit: Seyi Oduyela/Saharareporters
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