Chief Dennis Otuaro, the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has urged the youth of the Niger Delta to avoid violence as the region commemorates Isaac Boro Day.

Isaac Boro Day, observed annually on May 16, honors Major Isaac Adaka Boro, a prominent Ijaw freedom fighter who died in Okrika, Rivers State, while fighting for the Nigerian government during the Civil War.

Boro is celebrated as an Ijaw hero for his efforts to liberate the Ijaw people, including declaring the Niger Delta Republic and striving for better conditions from international oil companies.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Otuaro paid tribute to Boro on the 56th anniversary of his death, recognizing him for his vision and efforts to improve the living standards of the Ijaw people. He described Boro as a courageous, selfless fighter who promoted equality and justice.

Otuaro emphasized that Boro believed in a united, progressive Nigeria where equity and justice prevail, noting that Boro’s efforts were aimed at maintaining the country’s unity.

He stated that commemorating Boro Day is a significant way to honor Boro’s legacy of community service and coexistence. The establishment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Otuaro added, was a response to the advocacy by Niger Delta youths inspired by Boro’s principles.

Otuaro encouraged Ijaw and Niger Delta youths to celebrate Boro Day responsibly, upholding the ideals for which Boro is remembered. He remarked, “Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro is an Ijaw hero and icon of the Ijaw struggle. His 56th anniversary commemorates his bravery and courage.”

He noted that many youths are inspired by Boro’s struggle, a legacy reflected in the creation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Otuaro stressed the importance of peace and stability in the region to achieve the program’s objectives.

Otuaro also urged the youth to reject violence, embrace unity, and love one another. He highlighted that Boro fought for a strong, united Nigeria where the Ijaws could hold a place of pride, unlike some current youths who engage in divisive behavior.

Convicted billionaire kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, and his co-accused Joseph Emeka, have requested a plea bargain in their high-profile kidnapping case.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State lead counsel, Mr. Yusuf Sule, disclosed the plea bargain request to the court on Thursday during the case’s call for re-arraignment. The case is being heard by Justice Adenike Cokers of the Ikeja High Court.

Evans and Emeka were scheduled to be re-arraigned on an amended five-count charge, including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit felony to wit: kidnapping, and attempted murder.

Sule informed the court, “The case was for re-arraignment, but I am aware that the defendants have applied for a plea.”

The prosecutor also noted that the plea bargain terms are being reviewed by the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN).

Peruvian Health Minister Cesar Vasquez has classified transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals as mentally ill.

On May 10, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, Health Minister Cesar Vasquez, and Minister of Economy and Finance Arista Arbildo signed a decree. This decree states that transsexualism, dual-role transvestism, gender identity disorder in childhood, other gender identity disorders, and egodystonic sexual orientation are all categorized as mental health problems.

Cesar Vasquez explained that the decree was necessary for Peru’s public health services to ensure comprehensive medical attention for mental health issues.

The decree has sparked outrage among the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) community, which has labeled it discriminatory.

A medical researcher at Lima’s Scientific University of the South noted that although the decree might have been well-intentioned, it shows a lack of understanding of complex LGBT issues and potentially opens the door to conversion therapy.