THE waning hopes of proponents of generational shift recently received a new surge of life with the emergence of the youthful Julius Gbabojor Pondi, who clinched the House of Representative ticket of the ruling party, the People’s Democratic Party to vie for the seat of Burutu federal constituency.

It was a historic day of victory well-deserved, though belated for a man, who having given his best; lost narrowly in the 2011 state assembly election. Indeed, his emergence as the party flag-bearer, practically manifested Robert Kennedy’s assertion that “only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly”.

A defender of the destitute and needy, the Sokebolou born crusader, who is popularly known as “Osiki na gba” has constantly called for improved living condition of his people, as well as accelerated development of the constituency. He advocated youth inclusion in the commanding height of governance, with a view to injecting fresh ideas to the way government is being run. Poised to build on the subsisting work of the incumbent member representing the zone, the people of Burutu, unanimously agreed that, come March 28, they will turn up en masse to vote overwhelming for President Goodluck Jonathan, Senator James Manager, as well as their beloved son, Hon. Julius Pondi.

Introspective writer

The choice of Pondi by the people appears not only logical, but destined as well. To begin with, Pondi is an independent-minded leader with an even-keel temperament, a talented and introspective writer. Pondi mingles easily with others, but is most comfortable addressing large crowds. He is known for being unafraid to speak and hear hard truths when necessary. He is armed with shrewd political sensibilities.

While several such stakeholders point to his academic background, others are projecting him on account of his grassroots reach and popular appeal amongst both Ijaw youths, elders, and leaders alike. As to his academic credentials, they note that Pondi bagged his bachelor’s degree in Project Management, as well as a master’s degree in Maritime Management, both from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Those pointing to his grassroots credentials point to the fact that he was once a councilor representing the good people of Ward 19 in Burutu LGA, and was later elected by his colleagues as Leader of the Legislature in recognition of his sterling leadership qualities. Indeed, his records while he was at the top echelon of the legislative arm, shouts decibels for themselves, as he demonstrated passion for service, the capacity to shoulder legislative responsibilities and ability to deliver on them.

Ability to deliver

He is presently the Executive Secretary of the Niger Delta Patriotic Initiative, NDPI, a body of stakeholders committed to partnering with state governments and federal ministries, departments, and agencies for the purpose of concise development of the Niger Delta region. Furthermore, he has in the past espoused the view that Burutu must remain properly managed as it gradually grows into its deserved destiny as one of the preeminent metropolitan hubs on the West African coast. At any rate, Julius has been described as a prolific and persuasive speaker as well as a politically savvy inspirational leader from a crop of a new generation of leaders with an inclination towards leadership by example.

In Burutu and environs for instance, the general consensus is that his entry into politics was motivated by a desire to inspire a new generation of Burutu constituents imbued with the orientation and equipped with the necessary skills required to take the Ijaw ethnic nationality to the long hoped high income status.

Instructively for such a young man, others cite the fact that his respect for elders and his readiness to consult them on a plethora of issues pertaining to the progress of Ijaw land is well known in Burutu and environs. Pondi on his part is full of praises for President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformational agenda as well as for the wisdom and regal disposition of the royal fathers across Burutu LGA.

He has on numerous occasions similarly commended the pivotal roles stakeholders like Pa. E.K. Clarke, Hon. Chief J.T. Government, Elder Godsday Orubebe, Hon.Chief Funkekeme Solomon, Dr. Braduce Angozi, Wing Commander P.Y Biapkara (Rtd), Hon. Asupa Forteta, Hon. Tito Zuokumor, and numerous other Burutu leaders played in the development of Burutu land.

When asked to comment on the scorecard of the present occupant of the seat, he insisted on giving him his due, for instance lauding Rt. Hon. Franc P. C Enekorogha for giving the Burutu people a voice in the national assembly all these years. With a new dispensation in the offing, it is therefore with bated breath that the good people of Burutu federal constituency anticipate Pondi’s victory in the general election, while looking forward to his ascension into the Green Chamber of the National Assembly to give the much-awaited fresh ideas.

By Michael Tidi