An out-of-control Chinese space laboratory, Tiangong-1 that will plunge back to Earth in the coming days is unlikely to cause any damage, Chinese authorities say, but will offer instead a splendid show akin to a meteor shower.

The Chinese assurances came amidst anxieties about where the 8618.255 kg craft will make its landing.

The concern is expressed by the US-based Aerospace Corporation over possible exposure by humans to hydrazine, the deadly chemicals, used as rocket fuel. It is cancerous and may cause liver and nerve damage, the agency said.

But there is no need for people to worry, the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO) said on its WeChat social media account.

Such falling spacecraft do not crash into the Earth fiercely like in sci-fi movies, but turn into a splendid (meteor shower) and move across the beautiful starry sky as they race towards the Earth, it said.

Chinas space agency said on Thursday that the nearly eight-tonne Tiangong-1 will re-enter the atmosphere some time between Saturday and Monday. The European Space Agency has a smaller window between midday Saturday and early Sunday afternoon GMT time.

The lab was placed in orbit in September 2011 and had been slated for a controlled re-entry, but it ceased functioning in March 2016 and space enthusiasts have been bracing for its fiery return.

Beijing sees its multi-billion-dollar space programme as a symbol of the countrys rise. It plans to send a manned mission to the moon in the future.

China sent another lab into orbit, the Tiangong-2, in September 2016 and hopes to turn it into a crewed space station by 2022.

Experts have downplayed any concerns about the Tiangong-1 causing any damage when it hurtles back to Earth, with the ESA noting that nearly 6,000 uncontrolled re-entries of large objects have occurred over the past 60 years without harming anyone.

The CMSEO said the probability of someone being hit by a meteorite of more than 200 grammes is one in 700 million.

During the uncontrolled re-entry, atmospheric drag will rip away solar arrays, antennas and other external components at an altitude of around 100 kilometres, according to the Chinese space office.

The intensifying heat and friction will cause the main structure to burn or blow up, and it should disintegrate at an altitude of around 80 kilometres, it said.

Most fragments will dissipate in the air and a small amount of debris will fall relatively slowly before landing, most likely in the ocean, which covers more than 70 percent of the Earths surface.

Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, estimates that the Tiangong-1 is the 50th most massive uncontrolled re-entry of an object since 1957.

Much bigger things have come down with no casualties, McDowell told AFP.

This thing is like a small plane crash, he said, adding that the trail of debris will scatter pieces several hundred kilometres apart.

At an altitude of 60-70 kilometres, debris will begin to turn into a series of fireballs, which is when people on the ground will see a spectacular show, he said.

Source: NAN

Still battling to put its pieces together, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) , has launched an attack on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as confused.

APC also picked hole in the national apology tendered by PDP early in the week, describing it as feeble and unacceptable until looted funds were returned.

PDP which is still battling leadership crisis since its ouster in 2015, said on Tuesday that the confusion in National Executive Committee (NEC) further exposed the raging impunity, primitive impositions and other undemocratic tendencies in APC.

PDP which tendered a public apology early in the week for running the country aground, said that it was clear that the APC went into a chaotic mode following the renewed interest of Nigerians in the rebranded PDP.

PDPs National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said that the confusion in APC directly explained why the country had been in shambles in the last three years.

There is no way a party which cannot conduct its affairs in a democratic norm will be able to function in government.

We are therefore not surprised that President Muhammadu Buhari went back to his partys NEC and ordered members to reverse earlier decisions, which they had claimed conformed with the provisions of their constitution.

It is amazing that a party, which boasts of belonging to the progressive bent, does not even understand its own rules or the applications thereof.

In one breath, the party sought the elongation of tenure for its officials and then in another breath it reversed itself.

Nigerians are no longer at loss as to the reasons for failure of governance, policy summersaults and gross incompetence that have brought our nation to its knees in the last three years.

Ologbondiyan urged all democrats still the APC to immediately exit and join other good-spirited Nigerians in the rebranded and repositioned PDP to make life better for Nigerians.

The Minister of Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, had earlier attacked PDP for tendering a shallow apology Nigerians for the massive looting of the nations treasury.

Mohammed called on the PDP to go the whole hog with its apology to Nigerians by returning all the funds looted from the public treasury under its watch during its 16 years in power.

Mohammed, also challenged PDP to show the genuineness of its apology through a discernible change of attitude.

The PDP presided over an unprecedented looting of the public treasury, perhaps the worst of its kind in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world.

Therefore, the best evidence of penitence for such a party is not just to own up and apologize, but to also return the looted funds. Anything short of that is mere deceit, Mohammed said. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Myanmars parliament elected Aung San Suu Kyis confidant Win Myint as the countrys new president on Wednesday, a week after predecessor Htin Kyaw abruptly stepped down from the position.

Both houses of parliament voted the ruling party National League for Democracy (NLD) stalwart into the position with 403 votes from the 636 lawmakers.

The 66-year-old former lower house speaker became Myanmars 10th president and takes the position after the NLD swept to power in elections in 2015, the first fully democratic polls after decades of military rule.

Both Win Myint and his predecessor are close to Suu Kyi, who is barred from the presidency and rules the civilian government under the title of state counsellor.

Suu Kyi observed the vote from parliaments gallery alongside other ministers.

Myanmar and Suu Kyi in particular have been criticised internationally for the treatment of the countrys minority Rohingya, nearly 700,000 of whom have fled to Bangladesh during a military campaign described as ethnic cleansing by the UN.

Win Myint has been described as strong-willed in his role as speaker and an assertive politician, leading observers to predict he may take on a fuller role as president, rather than the ceremonial one performed by Htin Kyaw.

Win Myint, who represented the lower house, beat two other vice presidents representing the upper house and the military respectively to secure the presidency.

Source: NAN

Prof. Mike Ogirima, the President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Wednesday called on the members of the association to join active politics ahead of 2019 general elections.

Ogirima made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said the need for them to engage in active politics became necessary to enable them make enhanced contribution to the health sector.

We have found out that we have few medical workers in politics and bills concerning the health welfare are not receiving adequate attention, he said.

The president, who noted that not many health workers were involved in active politics, said the development was disturbing and raised serious concern for the association and the health sector.

If you dont blow your trumpet, nobody will do it for you and if you dont look for your welfare, nobody will do it for you.

That is why we are encouraging our members to participate in partisan politics.

The president said that there was need for advice and guidance before certain bills regarding the health sectors are being passed.

Ogirima said though not all members might be interested to be active politics, but a sizable part of NMA members should get involve in partisan politics.(NAN)

Source: NAN

By Edith ike-Eboh

Pope Francis has called for Ecclesiastical Cleansing of the Ahiara Catholic Diocese to intercede for Gods love and mercies for all the faithful in the diocese.

Popes directive was conveyed in a letter read at the 2018 Chrism Mass on Wednesday in Abuja.

Chrism Mass is an annual Mass celebrated in every Catholic Diocese by the Bishop, at the Mass, the priests renew their vows and the three oils used in the church are also blessed by the Bishop.

The Chrism Mass ushers in the Easter Tridum (last supper, Good Friday and Holy Saturday).

The letter, which was read by Rev Fr Rowland Nwakpuda at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, said that the Pope called for spiritual rebirth of the Ahiara Diocese.

John Cardinal Oniayekan, the Catholic Arch Bishop of Abuja said that he received the papal Letter and was asked that it should be read to all the Catholic faithful in Nigeria.

He said that certain decisions had been taken by the Pope concerning the diocese and the Church of Nigeria would continue to wait and would respect the orders of the pope.

Oniayekan said that the Holy Father condemned the irresponsible and unfortunate act of the Ahiara priests and noted that the whole church had been affected by it.

Onaiyekan said that Pope commended the humility of Bishop Peter Okparaeke who resigned his appointment as the Bishop of the Diocese.

He added that the Pope called on all Catholic Bishops of Nigeria to ensure spiritual rebirth of the church in Ahiara.

Oniayekan quoted the Pope as saying that the priest of Ahiara Diocese should renew their priestly vows with commitment and show honest solidarity to the church.

The bishop said that that the Holy Father, in the letter, noted that he received 200 letters of apology from the Ahiara priests and had responded to each person individually.

Every priest should renew their vows publicly, also the lay faithful, Pope said.

The Pope also urged the Laity to ensure that they helped their priests to do the right thing as he still had special interest in the diocese.

The Clergy and the Laity of the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara-Mbaise in Imo State had refused to accept Bishop Okpalaekes appointment as their local ordinary on grounds that he is an Mbaise indigene.

The stalemate lingered as the priests of Ahiara insisted that one of the priests of the Mbaise origin should be chosen as the bishop of Ahiara.

Okpalaeke,had on February 14, 2018 written to the Vatican, asking that he be relieved of the diocese headship and be posted to any other area of assignment, where God and the Holy Father may deem fit, to enable him continue in service.

His resignation was accepted and Most Rev Lucius Ugorji, Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, was appointed as the new apostolic administrator of the Diocese.(NAN)

Source: NAN

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris, has removed Ali Janga, the commissioner of police in Kogi over the disappearance from detention of six suspects, two of whom had claimed they were hired and armed by Senator Dino Melaye.

The Commander FSARS in the State, the Divisional Police Officer A Division, Lokoja and other Police officers implicated in the escape have also been transferred out of the state and are at the moment facing disciplinary action.

In addition, 13 police officers have also been detained and are facing investigation, the Police PRO, Jimoh Moshood said.

Moshood said Idris was dissatisfied with the circumstances surrounding the escape of the suspects.

Two of the suspects that broke their detention were KabiruSeidu a.k.a Osama, Nuhu Salisu, a.k.a Small). They were to serve as principal witnesses in the case against Senator Dino Melaye and Mohammed Audu.

The case of conspiracy and unlawful possession of Prohibited Firearms filed filed at the Federal High Court, Lokoja came up in court today, 28th March, 2018.

According to Moshood, IGP Idris has ordered Esa Sunday Ogbu, a police commissioner with Federal Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja to proceed and take over as the new Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command.

Furthermore, on the order of the IGP, the IGPs Intelligence Response Team and Special Tactical Squad, Personnel of the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department have already arrived in Kogi State to work with the Police personnel in the State for immediate re-arrest of the escaped suspects. They are to also carry out detail investigation into the escape and bring all those involved to justice.

The Force wishes to implore the good people of Kogi State to remain calm and assist with useful information to the Joint Police Investigation Team. They can report any information they have on the escaped suspects to the nearest Police Station in the State or any other State in the country.

Earlier today, CP Janga had shocked journalists when he announced the escape of the two principal suspects in the Melaye case, along with four others.

He said that 13 policemen on duty at the A Division, Lokoja, have been detained over the incident.

He named the four other suspects as Aliyu Isa, Adams Suleiman, Emmanuel Audu and Musa Mohammed.

The escape of the suspects came, even when the police were foot-dragging in arresting Melaye, who was declared wanted, but appeared at the Senate Plenary on Tuesday.

Janga said the suspects, along withMelaye and Mohammed Audu have now been put on a watch-list and red notice by the INTERPOL for immediate arrest anywhere we see them.

Source: NAN

Music mogul, Michael Collins Ajereh a.k.a Don Don Jazzy, who has not hidden his crush on famous blogger Linda Ikeji, `weeps over the news of her engagement.

According to some online reports on Wednesday, Lindas ex-boyfriend recently relocated to Nigeria and they the lovebirds decided to rekindle their affair and got engaged.

Don Jazzy, whose hidden crush on the famous blogger excited fans, posted a picture on his instagram @donjazzy as he was being consoled by some friends over his dashed dreams of making Linda his `wife.

He also wrote with a crying emojis: Kai Linda is engaged. It is finished.

Don Jazzy made several moves that he proposed to her on social media and frequently made various posts on his instagram handle; one of such was a recent photo of Linda with the caption When you re fine you re fine abeg.

Peter Okoye of the defunct PSquare, offered to sponsor his wedding with Linda if Don J made good his promise.

Meanwhile Sandra, Lindas sister confirmed the good news on her instagram handle on Wednesday.

Sandra wrote @sandra_Ikeji: congratulations @officiallindaikeji So habby sweet sis! This tells me that sometimes the wait is worth it.

Cant wait to plan your special day @eventsbysi are you readyyyy #itsagetaway.

The news was also confirmed by another sister Laura, @lauraikeji who wrote, Congrats Linlin @officiallindaikeji.

The 37 year old blogger and entrepreneur, is yet to confirm the news. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Ecuador has cut off WikiLeaks founder Julian Assanges outside communication in its London embassy, an official has said.

The official said the wanted hacker will be denied access to communications inside the Ecuador embassy in London as Ecuadorian authorities said his messages are interfering with other states matters and hurting relations with the UK.

According to reports, Ecuador government also said it could take additional measures against Assange for this alleged interference with other States, an indirect reference to UK or Spain.

According to some sources, the denial of communication privileges, may be a precursor to Ecuadors expulsion of the Australian from its Embassy, which could lead to his arrest in UK

A collaboration between Nollywood and Hollywood to showcase Nigerias best films, is now to become an annual event.

The organisers of the event revealed this as two Nollywood films THE BRIDGE and ISOKEN were showcased in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on Saturday night at The Eileen Norris Cinema Theatre Complex in Los Angeles.

The screening of the two films brought to three the Nollywood films showcased in Hollywood, with the screening earlier on Friday of 93 DAYS, a film on Nigerias resilience during the Ebola virus outbreak in the country.

The film 93 DAYS is a compelling drama of dedication, sacrifice, resilience and survival based on the true story of the people who risked their lives to stop the spread a catastrophic virus in Nigeria.

The screening of the three Nollywood films, which started on Friday and continued on Saturday, was the first collaboration between Nollywood and Hollywood.

This is also the first time that national film series, the foremost film programme in the world and the most historic of all of Hollywoods cinema houses, are teaming up to bring a film series from Africa to Hollywood.

Nigeria joined a select list of seven countries from around the world to be part of the prestigious national screening series, according to the organisers.

THE BRIDGE was a film about inter-tribal marriage in Nigeria and the challenges associated with it, as it seeks to end the inter-tribal prejudices and strengthen marriages among Nigerias diverse ethnic nationalities

Obadare, a Yoruba prince, and Stella, a young lady from a distinguished Igbo family, are a couple whose relationship is threatened by tribal prejudice and parental plans for their lives.

When the couple secretly weds against their parents wishes, the consequence shakes the very foundation and sustenance of both families.

Similarly, ISOKEN is a romantic comedy that explores cultural expectations, racial stereotypes and the bonds that unite families in touching, dramatic and comedic ways.

Everyone in the Osayande family worries about Isoken, although she has what appears to be a perfect life beautiful, successful and surrounded by great family and friends.

However, she is unmarried at the age of 34, which, in a culture obsessed with marriage, is serious cause for concern.

Things come to a head at her youngest sisters wedding when her overbearing mother thrusts her into an orchestrated matchmaking with the ultimate Edo man, Osaze.

Osaze is handsome, successful and from a good family, making him a perfect Nigerian husband material.

However, in an unexpected turn of events, Isoken meets Kevin who she finds herself falling in love with and he just might be what she truly wants in a partner.

The only problem is, not only is he not an Edo man, he is Caucasian.

The screening was a question and answer series moderated by the Chairman of the African-American wing of the Directors Guild of America and an open air, post-screening Nigerian party on the historic Hollywood Boulevard.

The film was co-presented by the American Cinematheques Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California and O2A Media Inc., the production company of Nigerian-American filmmaker, Ose Oyamendan.

Source: NAN

It was a night of trumpets, saxophones, conga, piano, drums and guitars at a concert to close the Francophone Week in Abuja on Saturday.

Fourteen musicians displayed their talents as they perform to entertain guests at the event organised by the embassies of France and Belgium in Nigeria.

The event held at the Institut Francais du Nigeria, attracted the popular Bitter Cola Afrobeat band from Lagos, one of the star attractions.

The band using the saxophone, played some of the classical Fela Anikulapo Kutis tunes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports week-long event began with the Chefs Taste Challenge under the Good France Programme at the French Embassy.

It was aimed at strengthening the cultural relationship between Nigeria and France through gastronomy.

The Chefs challenge was to celebrate the cuisines of both countries, and also to promote both local and European chefs.

There were also school performances, which involved drama, singing, dancing and a special quiz, all in French.

The event was organised by the Institut Francais, in partnership with Nigerian schools.

Also, a tasting event called Come and Taste different traditional meals from Francophone countries was held in different restaurants in the city.

The participating restaurants were Relais Cafe Restaurants and Catering Services, Zuma Grill at Transcorp Hilton, Helenes Food Co and Le Petit Square, at the Grand Square restaurants.

A student of the institute told NAN that the festival was an interesting experience which has created a platform for the students to interact with French speaking people.

She added that the night allowed them to unwind and to get to know each other, using French to communicate.

NAN reports that Attieke Republic Restaurant was all night for guests to experience the cultural cuisines of France. (NAN)

Source: NAN