By Jesse Ese, Yenagoa
National News – A powerful show of support greeted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his visit to Bayelsa State as over 2,000 ex-agitators from across the Niger Delta converged on Yenagoa to welcome the President and commend his administration’s commitment to the region.
The ex-agitators, led by self-styled General Emma Satu, Convener of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum, described the massive turnout as a clear demonstration of growing support for President Tinubu across Bayelsa and the entire Niger Delta.
Satu, while addressing journalists shortly after the President’s arrival, thanked Ijaw people for what he described as “overwhelming and historic support” shown to Tinubu during the commissioning of key projects in Bayelsa State.
According to him, the unprecedented mobilisation was driven by the visible achievements of the Federal Government in the Niger Delta, particularly through the leadership of Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
He said the ex-agitators were motivated to turn out in large numbers due to the positive transformation currently taking place in the region.
“The massive crowd that received President Tinubu shows that Bayelsa State and indeed the entire Niger Delta is firmly behind him. The support we witnessed today is organic and based on performance,” Satu said.
He disclosed that ex-agitators from all nine Niger Delta states participated in the reception, describing the gathering as a significant moment of unity and renewed confidence in the Federal Government.
Satu also commended President Tinubu for the upward review of the Presidential Amnesty Programme budget in the 2026 Appropriation, noting that the development demonstrated the President’s love and commitment to the welfare of ex-agitators and peace in the Niger Delta.
“For years, ex-agitators have been calling for an increase in the Amnesty Programme budget to address pressing needs. President Tinubu, as a listening father, heard our cries and responded positively. This singular act shows he genuinely cares for the Niger Delta people,” he stated.
He further praised Dr. Dennis Otuaro for what he described as effective leadership and inclusive administration, noting that the Administrator’s approach has restored confidence among ex-agitators across the region.
According to Satu, the strong turnout also served as a platform for ex-agitators to publicly endorse Otuaro’s leadership and express satisfaction with ongoing reforms in the Amnesty Programme.
“The turnout today is not just about welcoming Mr. President, it is also to tell the world that the Amnesty Programme under Dr. Dennis Otuaro is working and that peace and development are returning to the Niger Delta,” he added.
He noted that the mobilisation of over 2,000 ex-agitators to Yenagoa underscored the renewed unity among former agitators and their commitment to sustaining peace in the region.
Satu maintained that the overwhelming reception for President Tinubu reflects growing political alignment in the Niger Delta ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The message from Bayelsa today is clear — the Niger Delta appreciates President Tinubu and stands ready to support his leadership,” he said.
Speaking on the projects commissioned by the president, Satu commended Governor Douye Diri for the successful delivery of the 60MW gas turbine, describing it as a landmark project that will transform Bayelsa State’s economic fortunes.
He noted that the project represents a strategic investment in power infrastructure capable of driving industrial growth, attracting investors, and boosting small and medium-scale enterprises across the state.
Satu also declared totally support for Douye Diri; saying that they are solidly behind him because he is making the Ijaw nation proud.
President Tinubu visited Bayelsa State to commission major infrastructure projects aimed at boosting power supply, transportation, and economic growth, in what stakeholders described as a significant step toward accelerated development in the oil-rich region.
