By Iyoho Emmanuel
ABUJA— The Member Representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, has pledged to expand his empowerment and constituency development programmes to include more indigenes residing in Abuja.
He made the pledge recently while receiving a 23-member delegation of the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency Indigenes Association, Abuja, who paid him a courtesy visit and formally endorsed his bid for a third term in office.
Idem appreciated the delegation for the confidence reposed in him and thanked members of the association for their unwavering support , urging them to remain focused, entrepreneurial, and committed to continuous personal development.
Responding to his endorsement, the lawmaker disclosed that following his receipt of the party’s nomination form, over 120 constituents from Ukanafun and Oruk Anam Local Government Areas had earlier endorsed his aspiration in Ukanafun.
He explained that the signing of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination endorsement form by the Abuja delegation was part of the requirements for filing his nomination.
The delegation led by the president of the asociation, Comrade Josiah Emmanuel, comprising eminent sons and daughters of the constituency resident in Abuja also signed his INEC, nomination endorsement form as part of the requirements for filing his candidacy.
Speaking during the visit, Emmanuel said the endorsement was a collective decision of members in recognition of Rt. Hon. Idem’s performance over the past seven years.
He noted that the lawmaker’s record of constituency projects, empowerment programmes, scholarships, and responsive representation had earned him the confidence and continued support of the people.
Also speaking, a trustee of the association, Mr George Enyiekpon, a lawyer,praised the lawmaker’s contributions, describing his empowerment programmes, educational scholarships, grants, and legislative representation as exemplary.
He moved a motion for the formal endorsement of the lawmaker’s third-term bid.
The motion was seconded by another trustee, Dr. Enobong Umoessien, a retired director with Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS), who commended Idem’s leadership and public service.
He observed that the lawmaker enjoys widespread respect beyond Akwa Ibom.
Following the unanimous endorsement, members of the delegation proceeded to append their signatures to the INEC nomination endorsement form in support of Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem’s candidacy.
Among the delegation included: Mr George Enyiekpon and Dr. Enobong Umoessien, all trustees; patron, Mr. Duff Idiong; president of Oruk Anam Development Union, Abuja, Dr. Okon John and president of Annang Community, Abuja, Adede Simeon Imoh.
Others were : vice president, Mr. Demekere Abraham; secretary, Adede Matthew Uko; financial secretary; Mr. Willie Imoh; women leader;Mrs. Patience Essien,legal adviser; Mr Ebuk Emmanson, a lawyer; president of Akwa Ibom Corpers Forum, Abuja, Mr. Ekenson Godwin; Commandant , National Security and Civil Defence Corp(NSCDC, Eyakeno Ime; Maj. Inyang Akpabio; Hon. Akaniyene Akpan; Ms. Glory Ebe; Mr. Edidiong Idemeto; Dr. Unyime Otuong, and other members.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment by members of the association to continue supporting initiatives aimed at advancing the development and progress of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency.