Israel Umoh
The member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem on Wednesday inaugurated the remodelled and fully furnished Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom in a colourful ceremony ahead of the monarch’s coronation.
Idem who reconstructed the palace of Akuku (Engr) Amos Akpan last year with millions of Naira saw the project as a deliberate effort to strengthen traditional institution and preserve the cultural heritage of the people.
The project, executed as part of his constituency development initiatives, has given the palace a renewed outlook as preparations intensify for the coronation ceremony of the monarch on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
At the brief handing-over event, the people’s representative said Ukanafun is blessed to have an educated person as a Paramount Ruler, saying having a civilized person demands a civilized palace.
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He announced the donation of a brand new soundproof power plant to the Paramount ruler, and commended him for being a blessing to the local government area and for the critical role he is playing to maintain peace in the area.
The Chairman, House Committee on Public Procurement assured the Royal Father and his Council that he would keep attracting more dividends of democracy to the federal constituency for the benefits of the people.
Idem said though he has joined in passing bills and had moved many motions in the National Assembly, some may not benefit his constituents directly except his effective representation to the people.
He used the opportunity to solicit support for the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno and President Bola Tinubu, noting that with time most of the reforms undertaken by his administration will benefit and attract many dividends to the people.
Idem pledged that the traditional institution will receive expeditious action from the National Assembly if it has any matter that demands legislation at the national level.
The Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Council, Mr. Uyo Ukpanah, said Rep Idem visited the Paramount Ruler one year ago and pledged to reconstruct the palace, hailing him for redeeming the pledge.
Speaking too, thr member representing Ukanafun State Constituency in Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Hon. Emem Udom said it was a thing of joy to witness the inauguration of the Paramount Ruler’s Palace, hoping anyone entering the palace would get justice and equity.
In his remarks, Hon. Saturday Akpan, the immediate past Commissioner, Akwa Ibom Local Government Service Commission, described Unyime Idem as a good material representing the area in the National Assembly.
Akpan recalled that in December 2025, Idem had paid N1 million to each of the 1,000 constituents, distributed more than 5,000 bags of rice to people and donated 25 transformers to 24 wards in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency.
He pledged his support to him as ‘‘he continues to provide what he called “exceptional representation” in the National Assembly.
Earlier, Professor Victor Ebong of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Uyo who is an indigene of the area, had said the inauguration of the palace happened at a time a son of Ward 5 is the local government Chairman and Paramount Ruler is also from the area.
Ebong lauded the effort of Idem for reconstructing the palace for the Paramount Ruler that he would move in after the much-anticipated coronation.
Responding, the Paramount Ruler of Ukanafun Local Government Area, Akuku Amos Akpan thanked the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam representative for undertaking and completing the reconstruction of his palace and delivering for him a befitting and fully furnished edifice, and named him as “Ubokudom Ukanafun,” meaning the right hand of Ukanafun.
The monarch also commended him for the numerous projects and programmes he has attracted to, and executed in, the Federal Constituency, praying God to continue to bless and uplift him to an enviable height.
