From the Editor in Chief To the glory of God we welcome teeming readers to another chapter in the life of The Mandate as we boldly step into a new era. From this edition, The Mandate transforms into a weekly online publication offering readers more of the courageous, truthful and balanced reportage that has been our mantra for the past three decades. We open this phase with a bumper edition which gives you insights into the news behind the news. Benue state and indeed Nigeria is currently going through a trying period of socio-political challenges as 2027 fast approaches, complete with its multi-faceted developments. Our cover 'PolitiQuake' brings you updates on the polititical face-off between two of the state's most powerful political office holders. We bringnyou exclusive details of major winners and casualties of the face-off. The edition also is an indepth report on the prolonged political battle between Sen.George Akume, SGF and former Governor of Benue State and his estranged godson Governor Hyacinth Alia. Latest developments in the ruling APC indicate that the veteran godfather is winning the face-off and the governor is now forced to crawling to the godfather. Will Akume forgive his prodigal son and give him a second chance? The EFCC's eleven year old corruption case against Gabriel Suswam former Benue governornor is likely end soon. The anti-corruption has for eleven years insistex that Suswam stole N3.1b, being proceeds from the sale of Benue's shares in BCC Gboko. It is a case that the newspaper has followed and reported since its inception in 2015. We tell you how the case cost Suswam his senatorial ambition. One year after, The Mandategoes visited Yelwate the rural settlement in Benue State where more than 200 people were murdered in their sleep by Fulani bandits last year. One year on, we find out how the community is picking up pieces of their lives and how the and how the community marked the painful anniversary. The edition also carries a detailed report about the killing of Benue State Chairman of MACBAN by unidentified gun men in the state, and the widespread fear of revenge attacks the development is generating in Benue State. In our LEGEND (sports) session, we feature Coach Finbarr, who was one of the brains behind the establishment of Hawks (now Lobi Stars) FC. The veteran coach unveils details you may never have known about Benue sports. Enjoy the package and don't forget to Iike and subscribe to www.themandatenews.com.ng.
