TODAY IN HISTORY

• Intl Mother Language Day • 2022 - Russia

In Russo- Ukrainian crisis, Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin declared Luhansk People's Republic and Donetsk People's Republic as independent from Ukraine and moved troops into the region, which was condemned by the UN.

• 2017 - Nigeria

Pres Muhammadu Buhari said results of medical tests showed he needed more time to rest, which necessitated he stay in the United Kingdom ( UK) longer than planned.

• 2016 - Nigeria

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission began a probe into $ 2b Malabu Oil deal on if Nigeria was short- changed.

• 2016 - USA

Following a decisive loss in the South Carolina primary, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush ended his bid for 2016 Republican presidential nomination and his dream of succeeding his father and brother at the White House.

• 2012 - Senegal

Africa's top envoy, former Pres. Olusegun Obasanjo, arrived in Senegal amid fresh clashes, with the opposition hoping he can talk 85- year- old President Abdoulaye Wade out of seeking a third term.

• 1965 - USA

Former Black Muslim leader, El- Hajj Malik ElShabazz, aka Malcolm X ( 39), was shot to death in front of 400 people in New York by assassins identified as Black Muslims. His wife, Betty, was pregnant with twins and sat in the audience along with his four- year- old daughter Quibilah.

• 2007 - S/ Africa

Two people were arrested for theft of jewelry worth over $ 500,000 from the home of Winnie Madikizela- Mandela, the ex- wife of Nelson Mandela

• 2000 - Nigeria

20 people were killed as Muslims and Christians clashed in Kaduna over a proposal to bring Sharia Law to the state.

• 1999 - Nigeria

People's Democratic Party led by Chief Obasanjo won 169 of 360 seats in House of Representatives. Lola Abiola- Edowar, daughter of MKO Abiola won a seat.

• 1995 - Canada

Chicago stockbroker Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean in a balloon, landing in Leader, Saskatchewan, Canada.

• 1989 - USA

Pres. Bush called Ayatollah Khomeini's death warrant against Satanic Verses author, Salman Rushdie ‘ deeply offensive to norms of civilized behaviour.’