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My Dad’s final wish was that I play a video for everyone at his funeral. I was ready to fulfill it until I saw what he left behind –

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My Dad’s final wish was that I play a video for everyone at his funeral. I was ready to fulfill it until I saw what he left behind. Torn between honoring his memory and protecting our family from a painful truth, I made the hardest choice of my life.

I’m shaking as I write this, my skin burning from endless crying. Who can I turn to? The guilt is crushing me. Dad, if you’re watching from above, please forgive me. I’m Peter, and this secret, this choice, it’s eating me alive. This is the story that will haunt me until my dying breath…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

Cancer. One word of a diagnosis that tore my world apart.

My Dad, Barney, was all I had ever since I clutched onto his little finger at Mom’s funeral when I was five. Dad had been my pillar every step of the way.

At 75, he was such a strong man until his cancer diagnosis. It was like they dropped a bomb in our lives.

I stared at the calendar on my kitchen wall, each day marked off with a shaky red X. Counting down the days until… I couldn’t even finish the thought.

My wife Lara walked in, concern etched on her face. “Peter? You okay, honey?”

I wiped my eyes quickly, but my voice still cracked. “Yeah, just thinking about Dad. It’s hitting me hard today.”

She wrapped her arms around me. “Oh, Peter. I know it’s tough. Your Dad is such an amazing man. Remember when he taught Damien how to ride a bike? The way his eyes lit up with pride.”

I nodded, a lump forming in my throat. “He was always there for us, wasn’t he? God, Lara, I don’t know how to do this. How to say goodbye.”

My mind was already drifting back to that day in the hospital room when I met Dad.

The antiseptic smell of the hospital burned my nostrils as I walked into Dad’s room. He looked so small in that big bed, hooked up to all those machines.

But when he saw me, his face lit up with that bright smile.

“There’s my boy,” he said, his voice weaker than I remembered.

I sat down next to him, taking his hand. It felt papery and fragile in mine. “How are you feeling today, Dad?” I forced a small voice.

He chuckled, then winced. “Oh, you know. Like a million bucks. Minus about nine hundred ninety-nine thousand!”

I couldn’t help but laugh. Even now, he was trying to keep my spirits up.

“Dad, you don’t have to put on a brave face for me,” I said softly. “It’s okay to not be okay.”

His eyes misted over. “I know, son. But seeing you smile, it’s the best medicine I could ask for. You’ve always been my greatest joy, you know that?”

We talked for a while, reminiscing about fishing trips and backyard barbecues. Lara and my son Damien joined us, filling the room with warmth and laughter.

After a while, Dad’s eyes met mine. “Peter, can we talk privately for a minute?”

My stomach clenched, but I nodded. Lara ushered Damien out, leaving us alone.

Dad’s grip on my hand tightened. “Peter, will you do something for me? It’s important.”

“Yes, Dad…” I answered, choking back tears. “Anything. You know that.”

He reached for something on his bedside table, his movements slow and pained.

“I want you to play this video at my funeral, in front of our entire family. It’s very important, something everyone should know. Will you do this, son?”

He handed me a small camcorder, his eyes pleading. I could see the desperation there and the need for this final request to be fulfilled.

I swallowed hard, fighting back the urge to break down. “Of course, Dad. I promise. I’ll make sure everyone sees it.”

Relief cloaked his face, and for a moment, he looked like his old self again. “Thank you, son. I love you. You’ve always been the one I could count on.”

We hugged, and I felt his fragile body in my arms.

It was our last embrace, and I tried to memorize every detail — the feel of his thinning hair against my cheek, the scent of his aftershave mixed with hospital antiseptic.

“I love you too, Dad,” I whispered. “More than you’ll ever know.”

The next day, Dad slipped away peacefully in his sleep. I was numb as I made the funeral arrangements, going through the motions like a robot.

The coffin arrived, smelling of flowers and scented candles, and the sight of my family dressed somberly ached my heart, knowing that Dad was gone, happily united with his sweetheart in heaven.

As the funeral preparations were almost ready, I decided to watch the video Dad had wanted me to play first.

Not that I doubted his intentions as he was such a sweet man. But I was just curious and afraid that I’d lose control of my emotions during the funeral and start crying.

So, alone in the quiet of my living room, I took Dad’s camcorder and hit play.

Dad’s face filled the screen, looking tired but determined. He started with thanks and memories, his words making me smile through my tears.

“Hello, everyone. If you’re watching this, I guess I’ve finally kicked the bucket,” he began, his familiar humor shining through. “First off, I want to thank you all for being a part of my life. The memories we’ve shared. They’ve been the greatest gift a man could ask for.”

But then, his tone changed. His eyes hardened, and he cleared his throat. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

“But I’m here, not just to say goodbye, but to tell the truth. For the past few years, ever since I was diagnosed with cancer, all of you have been so mean and ignorant.”

I froze, unable to believe what I was hearing. This couldn’t be my Dad, the man who’d raised me with nothing but love and kindness.

But he continued, his words growing harsher with each passing moment.

He accused family members of lies, of abandonment, of using him. It was like listening to a stranger wearing my father’s face.

“You were all vultures, waiting for me to die,” he spat. “The only ones who genuinely cared were Peter, Lara, and my grandson. The rest of you can go to hell. And stop being fake, at least after I’m gone.”

The video ended, and I sat in stunned silence, my mind reeling. How could I possibly show this to everyone? It would destroy them and tarnish every good memory they had of Dad.

Tears streamed down my face as I rewound the video, watching it again and again, searching for any sign of the loving father I knew. But all I saw was bitterness and anger.

I don’t know how long I sat there, trying to process what I’d just seen and heard. The sound of Lara’s footsteps snapped me back to reality.

“Peter? What are you doing up so late?”

I quickly turned off the camcorder, forcing a smile. “Just looking at some old videos of Dad. Couldn’t sleep.”

She sat down next to me, rubbing my back. “Do you want to talk about it? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I shook my head, the weight of my secret already crushing me as we headed to our bedroom.

“No, I’m okay. Just remembering. It’s hard, you know? Seeing him like that, knowing I’ll never hear his voice again.”

“I know, honey. Your Dad was such a great man. We were all lucky to have him in our lives.”

As she headed back to bed, I stared at the camcorder, my mind racing. I couldn’t let his last words be that. It wasn’t who he really was. It couldn’t be.

With a heavy heart, I made my decision. I would edit the video and keep only the good parts that showed the man we all loved.

As I set to work, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was betraying my father’s last wish. But I knew, deep down, that I was protecting his true legacy of love, not bitterness.

The day of the funeral arrived, gray and somber. As I stood at the front of the church, the modified video ready to play, my heart raced.

Uncle Dave approached me, his eyes red-rimmed. “You okay, Pete? You look like you’re about to be sick.”

I forced a smile. “Yeah, just, you know. It’s hard. I keep expecting Dad to walk through those doors, tell us this was all a bad joke.”

Uncle Dave nodded, clapping me on the shoulder. “I know what you mean. Your old man was one in a million. We’re all gonna miss him. He always knew how to light up a room, didn’t he?”

As he walked away, guilt twisted in my chest. If only he knew what Dad had really said about him and everyone else.

The service began, and before I knew it, it was time for the video. My palms were sweaty as I pressed play.

Dad’s face appeared on the screen, and a collective gasp went through the crowd. He looked tired but happy, his eyes twinkling with that familiar light.

“Hello, everyone,” he began. “If you’re watching this, I guess I’ve finally kicked the bucket…”

A few chuckles rippled through the audience.

Dad continued, his voice warm and full of love. “I just wanted to say thank you. To all of you. For the laughs, the memories, the love. You’ve made my life rich beyond measure. Each one of you has touched my heart in ways I can never fully express.”

I watched as people wiped their eyes, smiling through their tears.

This was the Dad they knew, the Dad I knew. The real Dad, not the angry, bitter man from the unedited video.

As the video

ended with Dad’s “goodbye,” I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. I’d made the right choice. Hadn’t I?

After the service, Aunt Sarah hugged me tight, her body shaking with sobs. “That was beautiful, Peter. Your father, he really loved us all, didn’t he? I’ll never forget his kindness, his laughter.”

I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat as we headed to the cemetery.

As everyone paid their last respects, sharing stories and memories of Dad, I approached the casket, placing my hand on the smooth wood.

“I’m sorry, Dad,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “I hope you understand why I did it. I love you. I’ll always love you, no matter what.”

Weeks have passed, but the weight of my decision still sits heavy on my chest. Each night, I lie awake, replaying that video in my mind.

I hope that somewhere, somehow, Dad understands and forgives me.

But I know this is a secret I’ll take to my grave, forever questioning if I made the right choice. Did I preserve his true legacy, or did I deny him his final truth? The question haunts me, and I know it always will.

 

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I Just Met This Guy, He Took Me To a Hotel When We Got There, What He Did Left Me Outraged

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I walked into an eatery one afternoon to order takeout. While I waited for my food I kept busy with my phone. A man walked up to me with determination on his face. He smiled and said “Hello my name is Victor. I have been trying to get your attention from my table over there (he points to a far-off table). READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

You didn’t even blink in my direction.” I looked at him and said “Sorry I’ve been engrossed with my phone.” He said “I can see that. I suppose that’s how to get your attention, through your phone. Can you give me your number then?” I didn’t mind giving…Read Full Story Here……..

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1999 Toronto Saga: How Former Speaker, Salisu Buhari, Declared False Age and Forged University Certificate

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On the 3rd of June, 1999, Salisu Buhari, a 29-year-old Nigerian businessman who made his fortune dealing in computers, was elected as the speaker of the House of Representatives in Nigeria, a position which constitutionally made him the fourth most important person in Nigeria.

Unknowing to his colleagues, the government and the whole of Nigeria, Salisu Buhari was not qualified for the office he occupied. Few weeks after he was elected, findings revealed that Salisu Buhari, the sixth Speaker of the House of Rep. forged his way to power…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

The News Magazine released an article on the 19th of July, 1999 claiming that Salisu Buhari is seven years younger than the 36 years he claimed to be and that he didn’t attend the University of Toronto in Canada not to talk of graduating from the institution. The News Magazine had more than enough proofs to back their claims thus suppressing all threats made by Salisu Buhari and his lawyers to sue them for libel.

Salisu Buhari
Salisu Buhari

It was made known to the world that Salisu Buhari, the self-acclaimed Toronto University graduate, was actually born in 1970 and not in 1963 which he claimed. This rendered him unqualified to be the Speaker as section 65 subsection 1 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria disqualified anybody under 30 years from contesting membership of the House of Representatives.

Also, it was made known that Salisu Buhari didn’t attend the University of Toronto in Canada not to talk of graduating with a degree in Business Administration in 1990. The University of Toronto, when asked, denied knowing Salisu Buhari. The management said they couldn’t find any record relating to the his name. Carlo Villanueva, an official of the Institution said,

Regarding your request for confirmation of degree for Mr. Ibrahim Salisu Buhari. We have searched our records and could not find anybody with the name you are inquiring with”.

Letter from University of Toronto
Letter from University of Toronto

Also, Salisu claimed that he did his national youth service at Standard Construction in Kano. This was proven false as records at the NYSC secretariat in Abuja could not produce his name among the 1991 corps members who served in the scheme. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Blocked in every way, he had no means of escape. After several open denial of the allegations and threats to sue The News Magazine, Salisu Buhari, on Thursday, July 23, 1999, eventually faced Nigerians and admitted declaring false age and forging certificate. In tears, he said,

“I apologize to you. I apologize to the nation. I apologize to my family and friends for all the distress I have caused them. I was misled in error by the zeal to serve the nation, I hope the nation will forgive me and give me the opportunity to serve again.”

He then resigned and walked into the shadows. In 2013, he made his return to the news and the public space when he was appointed as a member of the governing council of the University of Nigeria by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

Normally, the move garnered a lot of criticism. In a feeble attempt to justify the appointment, the Nigerian government explained that Buhari’s apology had earned him a presidential pardon from President Olusegun Obasanjo.

 

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The Man Called Adegoke Adelabu ‘Penkelemesi’

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Joseph Gbadamosi Adegoke Adelabu alias Adelabu Penkelemesi was a colossal in the political arena of Ibadan and the then Western Region before the independence of Nigeria in 1960.

He was born in Oke-Oluokun, Ibadan, on September 3, 1915 to Mr. Sanusi Ashiyanbi Adelabu and Mrs. Awujola Adelabu. At the tender age of five, Adegoke Adelabu lost his mother and then lived with his paternal aunt. Adegoke Adelabu attended St. David’s C.M.S School in Kudeti, Ibadan from 1925 to 1929; CMS Central School, Mapo, Ibadan in 1930 and Government College, where he was a head boy, from 1931 to 1936…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

In 1936, Adegoke won a U.A.C scholarship to study commerce in Yaba Higher College but eventually left the college six months later to work as an assistant to the UAC Ibadan district manager. After working with UAC for sometime, he was promoted to an Assistant Manager due to his hard and clever work. However, he left UAC in 1937 to start a business of his own which was unsuccessful. He later took up a civil service job, then returned to UAC in 1945 only to leave after a short period to start a textile trading business which was successful.

After acquiring little wealth from his textile business, Adegoke Adelabu got involved in politics. The starting point of his political career was traced to the period when Ibadan lineage chiefs (Mogajis) rose against Salami Agbaje, the then Otun Balogun of Ibadan, from becoming the Olubadan of Ibadan. In 1951, during the local elections, Adelabu and some other political elements formed a new party called the Ibadan People’s Party to challenge the already established Ibadan Progressive Union and fortunately for Adelabu, the new party won all six seats to the Western Regional Assembly. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

However, the Ibadan People’s Party broke apart after an informal alliance with NCNC was proposed by Adelabu. Adegoke Adelabu stayed with NCNC and became the secretary of the party’s Western Province Working Committee. In 1954, Adelabu became the chairman of Ibadan District Council. Also, in the Federal elections of 1954, Adegoke Adelabu won a seat to the House of Representatives and later became the First National Vice President of NCNC and appointed Minister of Social Services. He held this post along with his chairmanship of the Ibadan district council.

He later resigned from both positions after allegations of corruption by the opposition party, Action Group.
In 1956, Adelabu ran for a seat in the regional assembly as the leader of NCNC in the Western Region but his party lost majority seats to Action Group thus making Adelabu the leader of opposition in the Western House of Assembly.
Adegoke Adelabu alias Adelabu Penkelemesi was a strong politician, leader and had his ground, a firm ground, in Ibadan. He was found of using the phrase “Peculiar mess” whenever he address the public. The non-literate segment of his followers who had never heard of the words peculiar and mess and never knew its meaning Yorubanized the phrase into “Penkelemesi” and then added it to his name- Adegoke Adelabu Penkelemesi. The people so much loved Adelabu. He was indeed a ‘man of the people’. OldNaija gathered that when he became the Minister of Labour, he was given an official limousine car which he drove to Ibadan to show his friends and followers and declared that the car belonged to them, not him. Also, when Adelabu was given an official residence in Ikoyi, the most exquisite part of Lagos inhabited mostly by the British and French, he called drummers from his hometown to celebrate the success which the British and French residents found disturbing. Adegoke Adelabu simply said, “If they do not like noise and drumming, they are free to go back to their own country.” Adegoke Adelabu admitted being an egoist in a book he wrote in 1952 titled ‘Africa In Ebullition: Being a handbook of freedom for Nigerian nationalists’.

Adegoke Adelabu and Obafemi Awolowo
Adegoke Adelabu and Obafemi Awolowo

On March 25, 1958, at the age of 43, Adegoke Adelabu met his untimely death in a fatal car accident on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. His death sparked protest and chaos in Ibadan as many of his supporters claimed he was assassinated by his opponents with juju. Several properties were destroyed and people also lost their lives. The police arrested over 500 persons of whom 102 was charged with murder and others discharged and some, jailed. It was indeed a big loss, a “peculiar miss” for the people of Ibadan.

 

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