According to William Shakespeare; “there is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken to the flood, leads to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries”.

When the good people of Burutu federal constituency elected Hon. Julius Pondi in March 28 as their representative, they took the tide at the flood and this has led onto fortune for the entire constituency.

He has become a metaphor for legislative excellence and people-centred leadership.

In his address entitled, Democracy, Media and the United Nations, to the Freedom Forum of the Columbia University, USA, Dr. Boustros Boustros-Ghali, erstwhile Secretary General of the UN said, “history has demonstrated that after the end of one era, it takes time to shape the next one.”

It is no news that the era of a new political dispensation dangles at the front burner in our polity.

The era in which this piece focuses on is the proclamation of the 8th National Assembly, as it affects the good people of Burutu federal constituency.

Calibre of persons

The questions that readily comes to discerning mind is what calibre or qualities of persons would occupy the highly coveted seats in the hallow chamber? Incidentally, the people of Burutu are sure of a man prepared to take up the gauntlet and cut the Gordian knot by solving difficult problems and propounding solutions through adopting bold and well thought-out measures.

Man of pedigree

In Julius Pondi they have a man of pedigree, who has been tested and confirmed to be fit and erudite in legislative knowledge, managerial competence and administrative proficiency in fostering excellent governance. He is like a candle wax that consumes itself to light the way for others.

A devoted Christian; humble, purposeful and loyal, Pondi is a man who believes in the institution of friendship; he honors and has the fear of God.

A defender of the destitute and a shrewd legislator per excellence, he needs no further introduction though for the benefit of those who might have forgotten that every man’s umbilical cord is traced to his mother’s placenta, Hon. Julius Pondi comes from the most peaceful, loving, hospitable and accommodating clan – Sokebolou.

Advocate for justice, fairness and equity

As an advocate for justice, fairness and equity in all areas he has found himself, and most especially his antecedents at all times and particularly in the legislative arm of Burutu Local Government Area, his political career has shown intrinsically that he is a disciplined parliamentarian with yearnings geared towards patriotism, political responsibility and the effective representation of his people.

As a social crusader, he aptly understands the wonder-tools of education in curbing societal menace; no wonder he has always given it a deserved priority, as could be gleaned from the array of degrees he presently parades.

With such a man with an extraordinary passion for education, who has by God’s grace gotten to this stratum at a very young age, we can be sure of legislation that will deepen education in his constituency.

“Don’t be weary in well doing,” wrote a song writer. Pondi has done well in the tasks assigned him. As a philanthropist, the well-being of his people is so important to him that he is well known for rendering succor to countless people, most times at his expense.

Hon. Pondi, having understood that there is dignity in labour, successfully used his closeness to the high and mighty in the society to assist many youths in securing recruitment into well paid ventures.

Obviously, there is no better panacea in curbing youth’s restiveness than such a public spirited disposition, the sort of thing Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, the master of verbosity would describe as audible to the deaf and visible to the blind.

Having performed excellently well throughout his career in public service and philanthropy thus far, there can be no doubt that he will do well as a representative of the good people of Burutu.

As Hon. Julius Pondi officially assumes duty as the Hon. member representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber, I wish him the very best in giving his people a voice in the larger Nigerian spectrum.

Congratulations Osiki-na-gba on your assumption of office.

Michael Tidi, an advocate of youths participation in governance, wrote from Warri.