Glitz, glamour and bouquet climaxed the inauguration reception of a member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Unyime Idem who declared ‘‘My first term was only a trial.’’
Idem hosted the reception for his constituents at a colourful ceremony of Who is who in the Federal Constituency, held in Ukanafun on Saturday, June 17, after the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.
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Idem of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 22,218 votes to beat his closest rival, Obong Freedom Ibritam of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who got 10,586 votes during February 25 Presidential/National Assembly election. He was inaugurated for a second term on June 13, 2023 at Abuja by Clerk of National Assembly, Sani Tambawal Magaji.
The clement weather proved God’s endorsement of the day’s event. The political class, women, youths, students, and the traditional and religious institutions added colour and vibes to the event with beautiful dance steps and songs.
Addressing the gathering, Idem rendered praises to God Almighty for life and the enabling environment to have successfully completed his first term.
He especially thanked the leaders, stakeholders, and people of the federal constituency for renewing his mandate and promised not to take the confidence reposed in him for granted.
“Let me thank the leaders, stakeholders, and people of the federal constituency for the massive show of love and support. My first term was only a trial. I need you to prepare yourself for celebrations on my second term as every plan is made to perform better.
‘‘Today was just to appreciate you for the fresh mandate you gave me. The last part of empowerment for 5000 youths is coming up soon. Every mechanism is put in place,” Idem said.
The speakers poured encomiums on Rep. Idem for what they described as “superlative and impactful performance that has changed the development landscape of the Federal Constituency.”
The State Chairman of PDP, Rt. Hon. Elder Aniekan Akpan, “God gave him knowledge to represent us we’ll. He chose to bring the reception back home to give everyone who worked a sense of belonging. Today is not a day for much speech because his performance speaks volume.
The Political Leader of Ukanafun, Rt. Hon. Obong Eno Akpan, thanked Idem for not disappointing the people, adding that the people are pleased with his performance.
“The lord has graciously made this day for us to rejoice and be glad in it. As the Lord has made the day, everything is in place for us to rejoice. Our son has done well. He got a deserved second term. May God bless him with more knowledge to represent us well.”
For the Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, “Idem has made Ikot Ekpene senatorial district proud. Let me congratulate him for being number one in performance in the National Assembly. We will give him all the support he needs to succeed in his second term. ”
For the member representing Oruk Anam State Constituency, Prince Sampson Idiong, represented by Dr. Paul Udofia, “Idem has left no one in doubt that on his capacity, competence and character. His partnership at the national has brought development and prosperity. We urge him to continue in this wise. ”
The Ukanafun Chairman, Pastor Godwin Inyieng and his Oruk Anam counterpart, Dr. Kingsley Frank, described the performance of Idem as, “superlative, impactful and deserving of a second term,” noting that coming home to host his reception shows the high regards he has for the people and urged him to continue to raise the bar of representation.
The Commissioner 1 in Akwa Ibom Local Government Service Commission, Rt. Hon. Saturday Akpan applauded Idem for representing his people well. He took special note of his resolve to hold his inauguration reception in Ukanafun and not Abuja, describing it as a display of his love for the people.
In his first term in office, Idem sponsored 22 bills, 26 motions, attracted more than 40 life-touching development projects and initiated skills training and empowerment for 5,000 youths in the area.
His superlative performance fetched him a second term in office. He was severally honoured as the best federal lawmaker from Akwa Ibom and Nigeria, given his impacting performance.
(Inputs by Vincent Aluu)
