Just as we were rounding off production of this edition last week something happened: two bombs went off in Damaturu, capital of Yobe State, while Muslims were gathering for the Eid-el Fitri prayers. By the time the security men counted the losses, 50 fatalities had been recorded.
These are parts of the painful effects of a cancerous growth in the body of a nation called Nigeria. The virus that gave life to that development is Boko Haram, the dreaded insurgent group that is giving President Muhammadu Buhari sleepless nights.
This sad development will top the agenda of the meeting between President Buhari and his host, President Barack Obama, this week. How did we get here? What should the government do? That is the kernel of the lead story in this edition, Boko Haram’s Genocide: How Buhari Can Stop It. Tajudeen Suleiman, senior associate editor, wrote the story, working along with colleagues to dig into the challenges of the security team and chart a way forward.
One of the suggested solutions is for the government to seek support from the international community. That is why Buhari accepted this invitation with open arms.
But while Nigerians are excited about getting support, particularly from the United States, US, there are those who fear that the same-sex marriage issue could be on the card at the meeting in Washington.
Really if it features, it will not be a surprise because the issue of homosexuality resonates in different continents. Now let’s ask this question: What is your disposition to the gay rights issue? Wherever you stand, the story, Going Gaga Over Gay, will interest you. It is the alternate cover in this edition. Iseribhor Okhueleigbe, assistant editor, who wrote the story sought views far and near to enrich it.
These are just part of what we serve you this week.
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