Etteh moves birthday party to US

[Igbosa]

Anytime a man wants to debase a woman, we call her a B word or W word. Once you are caught or corrected, you try to rationalize it. That is why some women think that if you are not called the B word, you are not worth your sweat.

So I agree that those who slept with her for free can call her those words. If you pay dearly, think again. Some women, in their anger respond with your mama. Two wrongs. Please reserve those words for proper use.

Like the woman who took my house, cars, children and made me homeless!

[tonsoyo]

Originally Posted by DoubleWahala

Tonsoyo wrote:


DW:

No, Tonsoyo, dont just "think". The article clearly states that she is said to have gone to the US to deliver a paper. Unless of course, you have access to further and better information, which you have not stated here.

Tonsoyo:

The information that she was delivering a paper is the flimsy one, what paper is she delivering on what? She was in England and will arrive or already in the USA for the rest of her vacation.

DW:
What are your "doubts" based upon? Are you saying that our law makers do not routinely travel (especially) to the west, on the flimsiest of reasons? Are they not given visas for those flimsy trips?


Tonsoyo:
I am also aware that they are denied visas on regular basis. That half of them would be coming is most unlikelyand overtly exxagerated.

DW:
It is/should be a big deal. Politics and governance are as much a game of perception as of reality. They should be seen and percieved to be serious-minded, disciplined, frugal and sensitive to the plight and condition of the people they're purporting to represent. The average Nigerian continues to endure suffering beyond reason.

Furthermore, how many American congress members/high-ranking government officials come to Nigeria to celebrate their birthdays, either while on vacation, or not?

Tonsoyo:

Why do we like to jump to American example without considering the circumstances? What is there in Nigeria to attract an American, not just the MP to Nigeria for vacation? But they regularly take such vacations and celebrations to other conducive countries in Europe and South America, you do not read about such in the news, because Americans consider that as normal. They have other issues to worry about. You can celebrate your birthday or have your vacation anywhere you want.

The vogue in the USA for those who can afford it, is to take their wedding ceremonies to one of those medieval castles in Europe.
Nigerians love to leave leprosy to treat rashes. There are bigger isues than where she choses to celebrate her birthday, especially on her vacation.
A lot of those people they are "purporting to represent" also come here to have birthdays, the vogue now is to have babies in America, even for average Nigerians. We should concetrate our energy on better issues.

DW:
In other words, lets choose the lesser of the two evils. Let's choose the more decent of the two indecents. Let's choose the more meaningful of both unmeaningfuls. Lets choose the less wasteful of two totally wasteful options. Not so?


Tonsoyo:
Like I mentioned above, it would hae been more wasteful to celebrate in Nigeria, because tax-payers will have to pay all expenses

DW:

Why should she even decide to throw such a bash in the first place (whether in the US or in Naija), at this time, with all the katakata happening in our country? Does she not realise that she's now an important and very high-ranking public figure, and as such should comport herself accordingly?

Tonsoyo:
I don't get your above, so because ther are "katakatas" in Naija people should not celebrate their birthdays? Na wa o. Nigeria has always been a country in crisis, so may be we should outlaw birthdays courtesy of Double Wahala.

Tonsoyo, You have a right, just like anyone else, to offer a dissenting opinion. But at least, try to base it on something more tangible than what you put up here.

DW

Tonsoyo:
There is nothing more tangible that the right of the woman to have her vacation and celebrate her birthday anywhere she wants, as long as there is no proof that she is using the State money to do so.

[DoubleWahala]

Tonsoyo wrote:

The information that she was delivering a paper is the flimsy one, what paper is she delivering on what? She was in England and will arrive or already in the USA for the rest of her vacation.

How do you know? Like I mentioned, if you are privy to further and better info. on her, do let us know. Its of no use for you to base your reaction upon the referenced publication, and at the same time deny (without stating explicit reasons) that she did not go to present a paper. Indeed, have you 'thought' of a third option/explanation? What if that is the 'official' reason (to deliver paper) she gave for travelling to the U.S., but in actual fact, used it as a 'cover' for her intention of throwing the bash? It is pointless going down the slippery slope of unsubstantiated speculation. I based my post on the referenced publication. What do you base yours on?

I am also aware that they are denied visas on regular basis. That half of them would be coming is most unlikely and overtly exxagerated.

Do you have facts and figures for the ratio of those routinely denied, versus those routinely approved? If you do not, then you know very well that your statement goes to no issue.

Why do we like to jump to American example without considering the circumstances? What is there in Nigeria to attract an American, not just the MP to Nigeria for vacation? But they regularly take such vacations and celebrations to other conducive countries in Europe and South America, you do not read about such in the news, because Americans consider that as normal. They have other issues to worry about. You can celebrate your birthday or have your vacation anywhere you want.

Precisely my point! If Nigeria is nothing to write home about, why cant our leaders seat their arses down and do what it will take for others to come over to our country to jollificate? Yes, you can celeberate anywhere you want, but as soon as you become a high-ranking public figure, you cannot be seen to behave just like everyone else. That is the simple point you have to understand!

Like I mentioned above, it would hae been more wasteful to celebrate in Nigeria, because tax-payers will have to pay all expenses

How do you know who is footing the bill? Are you a member of the NA? Are you privy to how their funds are actually disbursed? But that is even besides the point. The point is that she is totally insensitive to the prevailing mood in the country. By virtue of her position as the number 4 citizen, she ought to be much more circumspect of her actions and attitude.

I don't get your above, so because ther are "katakatas" in Naija people should not celebrate their birthdays? Na wa o. Nigeria has always been a country in crisis, so may be we should outlaw birthdays courtesy of Double Wahala.

Your statement above clearly shows that you're totally oblivious of the subtleties demanded of such an exalted office as that of the Speaker. I wont even bother responding further to it.

Like I stated in my previous post, you're more than welcome to dissent, but, so far, you've offered 'information' only based on what you "think". I'm sure you can do more than that, Tonsoyo.

DW

[tonsoyo]

Originally Posted by DoubleWahala

Tonsoyo wrote:


DW:

How do you know? Like I mentioned, if you are privy to further and better info. on her, do let us know. Its of no use for you to base your reaction upon the referenced publication, and at the same time deny (without stating explicit reasons) that she did not go to present a paper. Indeed, have you 'thought' of a third option/explanation? What if that is the 'official' reason (to deliver paper) she gave for travelling to the U.S., but in actual fact, used it as a 'cover' for her intention of throwing the bash? It is pointless going down the slippery slope of unsubstantiated speculation. I based my post on the referenced publication. What do you base yours on?

Tonsoyo says:
There are different sources of information, there is nothing sacrosant about this newspaper report, the information I have (not in written form) is that she is on vacation, and I believed it. Do not forget that the information that she is here to deliver a paper is a rebuttal. The position was she is here to celebrate birthday.

DW:
Do you have facts and figures for the ratio of those routinely denied, versus those routinely approved? If you do not, then you know very well that your statement goes to no issue.

Tonsoyo:
I don't. But I am aware that there has never been a time that the half of them ever leave Nigeria at the same time. That is enough for me.

DW:
Precisely my point! If Nigeria is nothing to write home about, why cant our leaders seat their arses down and do what it will take for others to come over to our country to jollificate? Yes, you can celeberate anywhere you want, but as soon as you become a high-ranking public figure, you cannot be seen to behave just like everyone else. That is the simple point you have to understand!

Tonsoyo:
I do not know how to answer this because i expect you to know better. So your position is that this people are not entitled to holidays until Nigeria because a tourist heaven or America? What is so special about celebrating birthday in America as a public figure? If anything the criticsm is prematured. She can be criticized, if the birthday party turned out to be obscene or lavish, but been here and celebrating your birthday here means absolutely nothing. She is entitled to that as a matter of RIGHT! As a lawyer I am sure you know that. Being a ranking public figure does not rob you of your inalienable right to private life brother.

DW:
How do you know who is footing the bill? Are you a member of the NA? Are you privy to how their funds are actually disbursed? But that is even besides the point. The point is that she is totally insensitive to the prevailing mood in the country. By virtue of her position as the number 4 citizen, she ought to be much more circumspect of her actions and attitude.

Tonsoyo:
As to who is footing the bill, I am putting you the critics to the strictest proof thereof. Whatever the prevailing mood of Nigeria that has not always been there, I do not know. It will still not rob her of her right to private existence, life and pursuit of happiness, among which is the celebration of her birthday.


DW:
Your statement above clearly shows that you're totally oblivious of the subtleties demanded of such an exalted office as that of the Speaker. I wont even bother responding further to it.

Like I stated in my previous post, you're more than welcome to dissent, but, so far, you've offered 'information' only based on what you "think". I'm sure you can do more than that, Tonsoyo.

DW

Tonsoyo:
I would say that it is you DW that have chosen to live in some Alice Wonderland. The standard to which you are trying to hold her to does not exist anywhere.
The difference here is that, American journalists would rather write about Brad Pitts or Lindsay Lohan birthdays than Pelosi's birthday, because their audience would rather listen or read about that than whether Pelosi takes her birthday to the moon.

[DoubleWahala]

Tonsoyo:

There are different sources of information, there is nothing sacrosant about this newspaper report, the information I have (not in written form) is that she is on vacation, and I believed it. Do not forget that the information that she is here to deliver a paper is a rebuttal. The position was she is here to celebrate birthday.

So, if there's nothing "sacrosanct" about the newspaper report, why should your "information [you] have (not in written form)" be believable or relied upon, for that matter? Why cant it be equally suspect?

Rebuttal from whom? From the source of the allegations or from madam speaker herself?

I don't. But I am aware that there has never been a time that the half of them ever leave Nigeria at the same time. That is enough for me.

Well, it is not enough for me. Simply saying that half of them have never left at the same time does not mean half of them cannot leave at the same time. "Have not" and "cannot" do not mean the same thing, and will not necessarilly lead to the same conclusion.

I do not know how to answer this because i expect you to know better. So your position is that this people are not entitled to holidays until Nigeria because a tourist heaven or America? What is so special about celebrating birthday in America as a public figure? If anything the criticsm is prematured. She can be criticized, if the birthday party turned out to be obscene or lavish, but been here and celebrating your birthday here means absolutely nothing. She is entitled to that as a matter of RIGHT! As a lawyer I am sure you know that. Being a ranking public figure does not rob you of your inalienable right to private life brother.

I agree with you on the boldened portion above. However, we all know as most of these kinds of parties go, not so? Make we dey look sha...we'll soon see. Who knows, she may even decide to back-track, owing to the potential uproar that may ensue if she goes ahead.

As to who is footing the bill, I am putting you the critics to the strictest proof thereof. Whatever the prevailing mood of Nigeria that has not always been there, I do not know. It will still not rob her of her right to private existence, life and pursuit of happiness, among which is the celebration of her birthday

Mr. T, you're getting it a bit twisted here. I'm not affirming or denying that she's going to use public funds for the bash. What I merely pointed out is that you do not know for a fact if she wont.

I would say that it is you DW that have chosen to leave in some Alice Wonderland. The standard to which you are trying to hold her to does not exist anywhere.
The difference here is that, American journalists would rather write about Brad Pitts or Lindsay Lohan birthdays than Pelosi's birthday, because their audience would rather listen or read about that than whether Pelosi takes her birthday to the moon.

America is not Nigeria. America is light years ahead of us in virtually all indicators of the level and quality of human existence. Therefore to purport to equate the two countries is fatally flawed reasoning.

Americans can afford not to focus unduly on the birthday peccadilloes of their leaders precisely because they are economically advanced enough to prefer to be interested in the activities and shenanigans of those characters you mentioned.

We, on the other hand, are still dealing with the very basics. That is why perception should be all the more important.

DW

[Eja]

Happy Baffday to Pat Etteh!!

Happyhappy joyjoy. Fellow willagers, let us contrubute some munay and buy Lady Spoker a gift. Stop being doing de jelos. Why should she not shelabrate in the good ol' U.S.A! U.S.A! U.S.A!... why? Anyways, I am buying asho egbe and as soon as condi help me to get my name off that no-fly list, I shall be in the U.S.A! U.S.A!

Wayo Guy, me and other members of the "Pat Etteh Is Prettier at 54 Commitee" would like to commision you for a written tribute. Please let us know your rates. Thank you.

[tonsoyo]

Originally Posted by DoubleWahala

Tonsoyo:


DW:
So, if there's nothing "sacrosanct" about the newspaper report, why should your "information [you] have (not in written form)" be believable or relied upon, for that matter? Why cant it be equally suspect?

Tonsoyo:
I agree my source could be suspect, but I did not start this criticism, we should ask those of you who started criticsm based on suspectible source. The information itself is not complete enough to warrant crucifying the lady


DW:
Rebuttal from whom? From the source of the allegations or from madam speaker herself?

Tonsoyo:
Rebuttal from here: "source close to the Speaker debunked the report, saying that Etteh went to deliver a paper in America" The original information was that she is here for birthday, "source close to Speaker rebutted it"


DW:
Well, it is not enough for me. Simply saying that half of them have never left at the same time does not mean half of them cannot leave at the same time. "Have not" and "cannot" do not mean the same thing, and will not necessarilly lead to the same conclusion.

Tonsoyo:
Even if that is logically true, how possible is it for half of 360 members to come to the USA at once for a birthday party? This is enough reason to take this report with a pinch of salt in it.

DW:
I agree with you on the boldened portion above. However, we all know as most of these kinds of parties go, not so? Make we dey look sha...we'll soon see. Who knows, she may even decide to back-track, owing to the potential uproar that may ensue if she goes ahead.

Tonsoyo:
Good let us wait and see. We may have a cause to criticize here later, at this point it is premature.

DW:
Mr. T, you're getting it a bit twisted here. I'm not affirming or denying that she's going to use public funds for the bash. What I merely pointed out is that you do not know for a fact if she wont.

Tonsoyo:
Good enough for me, if she is not using public fund or in the absence of proof of using public fund, wetin concern agbero with overload?

DW:
America is not Nigeria. America is light years ahead of us in virtually all indicators of the level and quality of human existence. Therefore to purport to equate the two countries is fatally flawed reasoning.

Americans can afford not to focus unduly on the birthday peccadilloes of their leaders precisely because they are economically advanced enough to prefer to be interested in the activities and shenanigans of those characters you mentioned.

We, on the other hand, are still dealing with the very basics. That is why perception should be all the more important.

DW

Tonsoyo:

Haaaaaa my man, I can't believe you said this, was it not you who just invoked the spirit of the great American fore-fathers before I joined issue on that with you?

All of a sudden, America can no longer be used as a yardstick, dis one no good o. This is why you should have left America out of this and discuss Nigeria squarely and fairly.

[DoubleWahala]

"source close to the Speaker debunked the report, saying that Etteh went to deliver a paper in America" The original information was that she is here for birthday, "source close to Speaker rebutted it"

Yes, Tonsoyo. But weren't you the one just arguing that she did not go there to deliver any paper...that she is on vacation? So, why are you now referencing a source "close to the speaker" to deny what they're affirming? Na wah for you o!

Haaaaaa my man, I can't believe you said this, was it not you who just invoked the spirit of the great American fore-fathers before I joined issue on that with you?

All of a sudden, America can no longer be used as a yardstick, dis one no good o. This is why you should have left America out of this and discuss Nigeria squarely and fairly.

Tonsoyo, I can see that you're making a big joke of our debate. That tells me that in your characteristic way, you have conceded that my observations cannot be simply swept under the carpet.

Let's just wait and see happens next.

DW

[gwobezentashi]

According by me, any madam (especially a law making yellow fever hair dresser) wey that mandrill Balogun Owu dey shine cannot be anything but a Karwa (ashewo, woman of the night, kpoms ) especially if Andy "5 minute Governor" first test am to see if e sweet ko yana wari(or e dey llems).

[tonsoyo]

Originally Posted by DoubleWahala

Yes, Tonsoyo. But weren't you the one just arguing that she did not go there to deliver any paper...that she is on vacation? So, why are you now referencing a source "close to the speaker" to deny what they're affirming? Na wah for you o!




Tonsoyo, I can see that you're making a big joke of our debate. That tells me that in your characteristic way, you have conceded that my observations cannot be simply swept under the carpet.

Let's just wait and see happens next.

DW

DW:

What I am doing should be clear enough, I do not believe in both stories. One I know she was vacationing in London and then came to America. I do not believe she came purposely to celebrate birthday and I do not believe she is delivering any paper.

I only tried to debunk your claim that the "report was categorical" delivering paper, that is why I reminded you that it was only a rebuttal and nothing categorical. Where did I lose you?

As regards your second part, I have no reason than to make a joke of it, because I can't believe that you can so blatanly be blowing hot and cold on this issue.

Were you not the one that asked me, how many times, American Congressmen has come to Nigeria for vacation or birthday?


reconcile these two statements from you:

"Furthermore, how many American congress members/high-ranking government officials come to Nigeria to celebrate their birthdays, either while on vacation, or not?"

DW

America is not Nigeria. America is light years ahead of us in virtually all indicators of the level and quality of human existence. Therefore to purport to equate the two countries is fatally flawed reasoning.

DW


Can you see yourself without mirror? The reason you cannot equate the two countries, which is "fatally flawed" is the same reason you cannot ask why American congress has not come to celebrate in Nigeria. No basis for comparison boss.

Thank you for coming around to agree with me.
I think those who thanked you then should now remove their thanks.

[DoubleWahala]

Not so fast, Mr. T.

I do not believe in both stories.....I do not believe she came purposely to celebrate birthday and I do not believe she is delivering any paper.

But the one you "believe" (which of course is not based on any "rebuttal"), is that she is on vacation, not so? Talk about forming a personal, unsubstantiated 'opinion', and then seeking to elevate it to the level of 'fact'. Tonsoyo, baba ke!!!!!

Can you see yourself without mirror? The reason you cannot equate the two countries, which is "fatally flawed" is the same reason you cannot ask why American congress has not come to celebrate in Nigeria. No basis for comparison boss.

Thank you for coming around to agree with me.
I think those who thanked you then should now remove their thanks.

No, Tonsoyo, it is not the same reason. My initial reference to the US was given in a different context from yours. You now want to equate both contexts, and I say "no, sir!!!!"

My first question was a rhetorical one. It is precisely because "America is light years ahead of us" that American congress members/government officials will not go to Nigeria on vacation and/or to throw parties.

Shey you grab? If you still dont understand, let me know. I'll do my best to break it down even more, just for you.

DW

[oguzie j.j.]

The true story according to NTA news this evening is that Madam Etteh went to the States for a medical check up and not for any birthday celebration that we all are here arguing about.

[DoubleWahala]

Originally Posted by oguzie j.j.

The true story according to NTA news this evening is that Madam Etteh went to the States for a medical check up and not for any birthday celebration that we all are here arguing about.

It is now the "true story" because she has probably realised the folly of her initial intention.

Good for her.

DW

[tonsoyo]

Originally Posted by DoubleWahala

Not so fast, Mr. T.



But the one you "believe" (which of course is not based on any "rebuttal"), is that she is on vacation, not so? Talk about forming a personal, unsubstantiated 'opinion', and then seeking to elevate it to the level of 'fact'. Tonsoyo, baba ke!!!!!



No, Tonsoyo, it is not the same reason. My initial reference to the US was given in a different context from yours. You now want to equate both contexts, and I say "no, sir!!!!"

My first question was a rhetorical one. It is precisely because "America is light years ahead of us" that American congress members/government officials will not go to Nigeria on vacation and/or to throw parties.

Shey you grab?
If you still dont understand, let me know. I'll do my best to break it down even more, just for you.

DW

Not so slow buddy, I still don't grab!

You have just complicated and implicated yourself by the bolded part.

Your initial context was that they do not come to Nigeria to celebrate because they are "serious-minded" and "disciplined" unlike our own leaders. By your own comment.

But when I indicated to you that they actually do, only that we do not have attractions in Nigeria to bring them and that it will not make news in America, then you made a U-turn that I should not compare America, but you started the America comparison, there is nothing rhetorical about that.
We can afford to leave America out of the picture totally.

[tonsoyo]

Originally Posted by DoubleWahala

It is now the "true story" because she has probably realised the folly of her initial intention.

Good for her.

DW

You sounded like a real Nigerian, ever cynical. What makes the first story better than that of NTA? I guess because that is the one you choose to believe.

So it has to be the truth and the latter one a "realization of folly" - Another good Nigerian.

[Vade Mecum]

Originally Posted by DoubleWahala

It is now the "true story" because she has probably realised the folly of her initial intention.

Good for her.

DW

It could be the huge public outcry that followed the news of Nigeria's National Assembly

planning a relocation to the U.S. for a bacchanal jamboree and a merry making orgy

made the law makers to retreat. On the other hand it is possible the reporter did not get

the true facts right. Whatever the true position is, every nigerian should be happy that our

country's treasury has been spared an all out major assault


Tony Okosun

[DoubleWahala]

Your initial context was that they do not come to Nigeria to celebrate because they are "serious-minded" and "disciplined" unlike our own leaders. By your own comment.

Tonsoyoooooo, do you really think you can get away with one of the oldest tricks in the book? You isolate one or two words of mine and insert them in YOUR OWN context, and then turn around to claim that that is what I wrote. Kai...are you getting that desperate?!!!

You sounded like a real Nigerian, ever cynical. What makes the first story better than that of NTA? I guess because that is the one you choose to believe.

So it has to be the truth and the latter one a "realization of folly" - Another good Nigerian.

You're a fine one to comment on this. No be you wey state categorically say she dey on "vacation"? I suppose "vacation" is the same thing as "medical check up", not so?

I wont be surprised if you now come back to say something like: "aaaaaaa, DW, are you telling me that people do not sometimes go on medical check-up while they're on vacation?"

Tonsoyo!!!...You're the man, I SWEAR!!!!!

DW

[Vade Mecum]

Dear Double wahala and Tonsoyo,

Please remember that united we stand and divided we fall

You guys are great warriors

Stop dissipating valuable energy

NVS and Nigeria need both of you in the

struggle for a better Nigeria


Tony Okosun

[tonsoyo]

Originally Posted by DoubleWahala

Tonsoyoooooo, do you really think you can get away with one of the oldest tricks in the book? You isolate one or two words of mine and insert them in YOUR OWN context, and then turn around to claim that that is what I wrote. Kai...are you getting that desperate?!!!



You're a fine one to comment on this. No be you wey state categorically say she dey on "vacation"? I suppose "vacation" is the same thing as "medical check up", not so?

I wont be surprised if you now come back to say something like: "aaaaaaa, DW, are you telling me that people do not sometimes go on medical check-up while they're on vacation?"
Tonsoyo!!!...You're the man, I SWEAR!!!!!

DW

DW:

You are very smart and that is why you have remained my friend and valued on this forum. My comment about the bolded part of your article is that you shall know the truth......... and shall preempt it of course, it is the way of smart guys.

A medical check-up trip is a vacation my friend. At least you now know that she is not delivering any paper with Ribadu. Ribadu was well publicized talking at a forum in Nigeria yesterday.

I fear my contri o

[DoubleWahala]

Originally Posted by tonsoyo

DW:

A medical check-up trip is a vacation my friend.

DW