Author: Treasure Chisa Achor

In an inspiring effort to curb rising youth involvement in cultism and drug abuse, the Common Ground Journalism Forum, an initiative under the EU-funded Search for Common Ground (SFCG) project, hosted a sensitization session at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, bringing together students and local community youths for a day of dialogue, education, and reflection. The forum forms part of a broader peace building initiative: Community-Centered Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta project. The event was strategically held on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, amplifying global advocacy with local impact. Speaking to participants,…

In a significant move towards fostering peace and stability in the Niger Delta, a transformative Training of Trainers (ToT) session was recently conducted in Rivers State. Funded by the European Union and organized by Search for Common Ground, the workshop focused on empowering community leaders, including paramount rulers, chiefs, and women leaders, with the tools to build inclusive and peaceful communities. This initiative marks a shift from previous efforts that primarily targeted youth. Recognizing the pivotal role of traditional leadership in shaping community dynamics, the program aimed to equip these gatekeepers of peace and custodians of tradition with the knowledge…

Governor Siminalayi Fubara addressed the people of Rivers State in a statement urging calm, unity, and adherence to the democratic process. “We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive,” he assured. The embattled governor reflected on the numerous challenges his administration had faced, stressing that he had always prioritized the well-being of Rivers people. He emphasized that all his actions and decisions were in line with his constitutional duties, even amid the political turmoil. Fubara pointed fingers at members of the Rivers State House of Assembly aligned…

In a strongly worded statement, former presidential aide, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, has condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Expressing deep concern, Ojudu questioned the rationale behind the decision, suggesting that it could plunge the country into an economic and political crisis. He described the move as reckless and unnecessary, warning that it could trigger renewed instability in the Niger Delta region, a development that has historically hurt Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy. Ojudu, in his statement, accused the President’s advisers of leading him down a dangerous path. “Who advised the President to…

An oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State experienced a second explosion within 12 hours, intensifying concerns over pipeline safety and security in the region. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning at a manifold connected to a federal pipeline in the Okwawriwa area of ONELGA, resulting in a massive blaze that sent flames soaring into the sky. According to eyewitness accounts, the affected facility serves as a critical conduit for petroleum products transported from Seplat, Agip, and Shell, supplying ONELGA, parts of Imo State, and extending to Brass in Bayelsa State. Fortunately, its remote location significantly…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected House of Assembly members for an initial six-month period. Expressing deep concern over the prolonged political crisis, Tinubu stated, “I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State.” He lamented that despite efforts from various stakeholders, including his personal interventions, the situation had worsened instead of improving. The Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, 2025, had criticized Governor Fubara for undermining democratic governance by demolishing the State…

A Refresher Peer Exchange Workshop for Youths in the Niger Delta has stressed the need for the participation of youths and women in decision-making processes.The workshop, which was organized by the Search for Common Grounds, was funded by the European Union, was themed, A Community-Centered Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta Region. The event brought together youths from various communities across Rivers State to enhance their understanding of equality, advocacy, collaboration, and leadership ethics.The Chief Superintendent of Narcotics of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Rivers State Command, Stephen Nwago, who addressed a special session,…

A film screening in Port Harcourt has ignited a powerful conversation about religious tolerance and human rights, and how to empower young people to become champions for change.Organized by Search for Common Ground (SFCG) on March 12, the event, titled, “Bridging the Abyss,” brought together tertiary students from across Rivers State for a screening of a film highlighting the importance of respecting diverse religious beliefs.The film, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, explored the challenges and triumphs of individuals protecting Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Nigeria. Its compelling narrative, focused on raising…

The African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR) has criticized the Rivers State lawmakers loyal to former the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for issuing ultimatums to the Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, saying they were detrimental to the interests of the people of Rivers State.In a statement, the ACJHR accused the lawmakers of obstructing the state’s progress despite ceasing to be members of the Rivers State House of Assembly following their defection. The group asserted that the faction led by Martin Amaewhule operating under Wike’s influence, were hindering the development of the state.“The lawmakers, who…

The Niger Delta Youth Council (NDYC) Worldwide and the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Forum (NDENYLF) have called on protesters demanding a Delta State indigene as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to withdraw their protests and embrace peaceful dialogue. The call for calm follows recent agitation by the Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society Network, which petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that a Delta State indigene should replace Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as NDDC Managing Director. The coalition accused the current NDDC management of corruption and mismanagement, threatening mass protests if their demands were…