World News for Nigerians Today 13th January 2019
World News: Saudi Teenager Granted Asylum in Canada and Chinese Lady Develop Condition that Make Her Unable to Hear Men. Keep reading for more news…
1. The Longest Shutdown in US History
The ongoing US government shutdown has become the longest in the country’s history especially with the president showing no sign of giving in.
The US government shutdown of 1995-96, where former president Bill Clinton clashed with Republicans over health, education and other spending was nothing compared to this.
The present shutdown has entered its 22nd day making it the longest, because of Trump’s determination to build a border wall of $5.6bn to wall off Mexico.
READ ALSO Amazon Founder, Jeff Bezos and Wife to Divorce after 25 Years of Marriage
2. Ex- US Marine Charged with Espionage in Russia.
Russian foreign ministry has confirmed that former US sub-marine, Paul Whelan has been charged with espionage, despite claims by his family that he was in Moscow for fellow ex-serviceman wedding.
Moscow believes that he is a spy of the US government.
It was reported that Russia may opt for a swap with US government but it is confirmed that Paul Whelan who is a UK citizen may face upwards of 20 years imprisonment if found guilty.
3. US Troop Pullout from Syria Begin
Colonel Sean Ryan, spokesman for the US-led coalition fighting Islamic State (IS), confirmed the process had gotten under way on Friday amid confusion over how quickly troops would begin to leave. President Donald Trump announced before Christmas that the US was going to pull their Troops out of Syria. Trump has since been criticized by many world leader and allies fighting in Syria.
There were 2,000 US troops in Syria at the time of Trump’s announcement.
4. South African Teacher Suspended for Splitting Pupils by Race
A South African school authority has suspended a Primary school teacher after being accused of racially segregating the black and white children in her class.
The teacher posted an image on the school’s private Whatsapp group to show parents how their 4-5 years old kids were faring on their first day in school.
It showed all the white pupils sitting around one table and the black students around a different table.
The image was shared online by one of the parent which led to a large protest outside the school.
5. Congo’s Fayulu Continues Threat to Challenge Election Results in Court
Felix Tshisekedi oppositon Martin Fayulu plans to contest for results of the just concluded presidential election in Congo after his unexpected loss.
Mr. Martin Fayulu made it known on Friday that he will go to the Constitutional Court on Saturday and ask judges to order for recount of votes.
6. Saudi Teenager, Rahaf al-Qunun Granted Asylum in Canada
Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun, 18, who was trying to reach Australia via Bangkok but was told to return to her country.
She locked herself in her airport hotel room refusing to fly back and attracted international attention via social media.
She was said to have renounced Islam, which is punishable by death in Saudi Arabia.
Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau announced that “Canada has been unequivocal that we will always stand up for human rights and women’s rights around the world. When the UN made a request of us that we grant Ms al-Qunun asylum, we accepted.”
Rahaf was given a warm official welcome in Canada.
7. Chinese Lady Develops Condition that Makes Her Unable to Hear Men Voice
A Chinese Woman, Ms Chen developed a condition that makes her unable to hear the voice of men after she went to sleep with nausea and ringing in her ears but woke up to find she was unable to hear her boyfriend.
Her condition has left Doctors confused.
Dr Xiaoqing, who treated Ms Chen said: “She was able to hear me when I spoke to her, but when a young male patient walked in, she couldn’t hear him at all.”
She diagnosed her with ‘low-frequency hearing loss’, or reverse-slope hearing loss, explaining why she was unable to hear deeper sounds.
READ ALSO >> Mother and Two Children Die on ‘Menstrual Exile’ <<
8. Stopping Brexit will Spark Rise of ‘Extremist’ Politics – UK Minister
According to a British minister, not going through with Brexit could “open the door” to “extremist” populist political forces in the UK.
Chris Grayling added that the millions who voted to leave the European Union would feel “cheated” and that could end the centuries of “moderate” politics that the UK has enjoyed since the Civil War.
The minister also urged his colleagues to back Theresa May’s Brexit deal.
READ ALSO >> No-deal Brexit Would be Disastrous, says UK Minister <<
9. 85 People Isolated in Argentina Following Hantavirus Outbreak
85 residents of Patagonian town have been ordered by a Judge to stay in their homes for at least 30 days to help halt an outbreak of hantavirus in which nine people have died.
Town officials also have suspended gatherings in municipal facilities; including funerals have been suspended by town officials.
At least 26 people in the region have fallen ill from hantavirus since early December.
People can become infected through contact with hantavirus-infected rodents or their urine and droppings or by close contact with an infected person.
10. Eddie Murphy Confirms Coming to America Sequel
Eddie Murphy has confirmed that he is ready for Coming to America 2. The first part came out in 1988.
According to Murphy, “We’ve assembled a great team that will be led by Craig Brewer, who just did an amazing job on Dolemite [Is My Name], and I’m looking forward to bringing all these classic and beloved characters back to the big screen.”
The actor and comedian will once again play Prince Akeem in the Paramount movie.
