TRANSCRIPT OF THE THANK YOU SPEECH BY RT. HONOURABLE JULIUS GBABOJOR PONDI

TRANSCRIPT OF THE THANK YOU SPEECH BY RT. HONOURABLE JULIUS GBABOJOR PONDI ON THE OCCASION OF THE GRAND RECEPTION HOSTED IN HIS HONOUR BY THE CONCERNED INDIGENES OF OGULAGHA KINGDOM, ON SATURDAY 13th JUNE, 2015 AT SOKEBOLOU COMMUNITY IN OGULAGHA KINGDOM, BURUTU LGA, DELTA STATE

RT. HON. JULIUS GBABIYOR PONDI

First and foremost, I would like to thank God for his never-ending grace to see this day which I can confidently and authoritatively describe as one of the happiest days of my life. 

To be honoured with this grand reception and to be considered for an Award as "An Icon of Hope to the Ogulagha People". This is no doubt a once in a lifetime privilege and I count myself very lucky to be honoured by the people amongst whom I took my very first shot at excellence in leadership and life in general.

Next, I would like to specially thank the organisers whose vision steered this project from day one and has avail me this podium to address my constituents for the first time after my inauguration as a member of parliament of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am still baffled how these young men of like minds raised the logistics to package this event. But, I have a word for you, you guys are truly WONDERFUL and I respect all of you. Ranking Kingdom youth leaders and members I salute you.

My sincere appreciation goes to all the Royal fathers across our constituency for their fervent prayers and royal blessings; particularly HRM Elder Capt. Joseph I. Timiyan (JP) the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom for his support before, during and after the elections; you indeed surprised me by showing up personally at Abuja to felicitate with me on my inauguration. This union to me is the dawn of better things for our people as I will join hands with the kingdom leadership to foster the much needed development. May I use this medium to inform that I have no personal problems with the kingdom hierarchy, every discomfort expressed in my opinion was solely for the overall interest of our oil rich Kingdom.

I really appreciate the efforts of the Mr. Pullah Ekpotuayerin led "Julius Pondi Campaign Organisation". A team that stood strongly by me, unwavering in their believe for this project, believing even when there was nothing to believe in, putting in a lot of extra time and the result is success. I'm so happy to see your hard work resulting in such success!

To my party Leaders and members, I pledge my unwavering loyalty to you all as I never would have made it to this podium if not for your resilience in protecting the pride of our party by ensuring that you made our party the golden bride of our Constituency. 

I am indebted to you the entire people of Burutu Federal Constituency, especially ward 11 and specifically Sokebolou community as you stayed your faith in me and demonstrated true love toward me by coming en mass to cast your votes for me and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I owe you not in words nor in promises but in action to represent our constituency to the best of my ability. I shall at all times constructively engage my colleagues in the Green Chamber on national matters particular those once that will promote our stake as a region, my constituents and my constituency.

Last and definitely not the least in my series of appreciation, to my astoundingly supportive family, there would be no Rt Hon. Julius Pondi today without any of you. Mom and Dad, thank you for raising me to be the man that I have become today. To Bridget, my darling wife, my most stalwart supporter and angel, your faith in me is what propels me to continue this path. I love you. To the "Special One" Seth Tamaraogonokemi Pondi, whose arrival into my life changed my story for GOOD, my Son I love u. To my elder brother Kestin, you are a thousand and one brothers in one. I am very proud of you. All my brothers and sisters u all played your part I appreciate.

Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen, I can only say to you collectively, as I said to you individually, simply and plainly, I THANK YOU - I Am obliged to you - I AM NOT INSENSIBLE OF YOUR KINDNESS.

This is all that I am able to say for the inestimable favour you have conferred upon me. But I cannot be satisfied, without saying a little more in relaying the task ahead and my mission to the national Assembly.

My mission and responsibility of course is to advocate for decisive change and action to restore the political, economic, military and social landscape of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I aim to be well-respected for integrity, oratory, humility, passion and commitment to my constituents and Nigeria’s citizens in general.

I must however be very frank with you and seek for your total support in prayers as the task ahead is very enormous as a result of the fact that firstly; my hope and yearning to go to the National Assembly to work with my party member, kinsman, and father as Commander in Chief was dashed when our party lost the general elections to the opposition APC in the centre. Secondly, I will be now working as a minority member of the Federal House of Representatives, better put, as an opposition.

The above hiccups not withstanding, I am very open to work hand in hand with the President Muhammadu Buhari led executive and the majority members as colleagues to ensure that whatever is accruable to you my constituents is delivered to our constituency.

Please permit me to conclude by thanking this man, please help me thank this man, for unless his fatherly guidance, financial provisions and the contacts today's gathering would have been impossible. May I announce to you ladies and gentlemen that High Chief Government Ekpemupolo is this fine Gentleman, Koide sir.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Long live Delta State

Long live Burutu Federal Constituency

Long live Ogulagha Kingdom