TODAY IN HISTORY

• 2018 - Nigeria

Pres. Muhammadu Buhari told governors of his All Progressives Party ( APC) to give him more time to decide whether or not he would seek re- election in 2019.

• 2016 - USA

An African- American, Virgina Mclaurin, who met with Pres. Barack Obama, said it was a moment she has longed for all her life. The 106- year- old danced with Obama and the First Lady, Michelle, at the White House. She had thought she would never have the opportunity.

• 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.

• 2014 - Vatican

Pope Francis appointed his first batch of cardinals, as his predecessor, Benedict made a surprise appearance at the event.

• 2011 - Germany

Germany’s defense minister, Karl- Theodor zu Guttenberg ( 39) apologized for individual errors in his doctoral dissertation. He was accused of copying parts of the dissertation for his university doctorate without correctly attributing them.

• 2009 - USA

The film "Slumdog Millionaire," a tale of hope amid adversity in Mumbai, won eight Oscars, including best picture and director for Danny Boyle.

• 2006 - Nigeria

Muslims protesting caricatures of Prophet Muhammad attacked Christians and burned churches in Kano, killing 15 people in the deadliest confrontation yet in the whirlwind of Muslim anger over the drawings.

• 2002 - S/ Arabia

A man was sentenced to six years in prison and 4,750 lashes for having sex with his wife’s sister.

• 2002 - Angola

Angolan rebel leader Jonas Savimbi was killed in a military ambush.

• 1989 - Iran

Ayatollah Khomeini, who had sentenced author Salman Rushdie to death, said economic sanctions would not change his stance, and that publication of Rushdie's "The Satanic Verses" was a sign from God that Iran should not reach out to the West.

• 1732 - USA

George Washington, first U. S. President, was born. He is revered as "Father of His Country" for services he rendered during America's birth and infancy.