Events taking place locally and globally are competing for attention and space in every media. Most times, it’s challenging knowing what appropriate attention to apportion before the next breaking news.

Our cover for this edition examines the befuddling issue of political migration sweeping across Nigeria’s democratic landscape. Though not new, it has now assumed a chaotic dimension questioning both the legitimacy and the sustainability of the country’s democratic foundation.   

Even among senior government and party officials, criticism of Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio’s frequent overseas trips has been rife. So much so that many in the country enjoy calling His Excellency “Mr. Fly Fly”.

We publish here a detailed explanation of the benefits accruing to the West African state from the diplomatic exploits of Mr. President.

Just as well, Sierra Leone’s Finance Minister Sheku Fantamadi Bangura takes off time to reel out how he’s become the attractive choice of award organisers. His accomplishments are here listed with detailed conviction.

Also in Sierra Leone, a deepening political standoff is unfolding as the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) continues its boycott of governance institutions, withdrawing its elected officials from Parliament, local councils, and other state functions in protest against recent electoral decisions.

Of course, no media house worth its salt can ignore the current chaos in the Middle East, whatever the region’s attraction to crises. The whirlwind stirred by both Donald Trump’s America and Israel on the one hand, and Iran on the other hand, seems to have defied prediction.

We do not want to preempt all the juicy spots between the covers.

And we have responded to appeals to lower our cover price a little even though harsh production costs point otherwise.

As usual, the edition is a masterpiece.