Thomas Abi Jr|24 October 2015|4:25pm
Exordium
Mr. Thomas Ugar Udam, popularly called Timmy Tom, is a man of enviable qualities. Born on the 28th August, 1967, in Ishibori, Ogoja, Cross River State. He is a man who has worked tirelessly for the emergence of key party(PDP) men and women in Cross River State politics. He is a strategist and a worthy member of the think tank of the PDP in Cross River State.
Education
He had his Primary School Education, in St. Benedict Primary School, Igoli- Ogoja, between 1972-1978. He then proceeded to Ntol Comprehensive Secondary School, from 1978-1983, Federal School of Art and Science, 1989-1990, and the University of Calabar, where he graduated with a degree in marketing in the year 2000.
Positions of Responsibility
*He was Executive Secretary, Ogoja Urban Development Authority, 2003-2008, an appointment he used for the greater good of his people. He used that position to maintain the clean nature of Ogoja. He kept Ogoja clean and green.
*He was Community Relations Officer, Ogoja, LGA, in 2014. A position he used to bring together so many aggrieved persons in Ogoja. Creating a synergy between the paramilitary agencies and the good people of Ogoja.
*Mr. Timmy, has served as Chairman/Member Technical Committee on Urban Renewal and Land Use Management in Cross River State, in 2003.
*He was Chairman/member, Land Field Engineering Committee, in 2005.
*MD/CEO, Iyebi Consult Investment Limited.
*CEO, Ishor's World.
*Coordinator, Clean Up Nigeria, South South.
*Executive Director, Basic Implementing Technology.
Political Involvements
Mr. Timmy Tom, is a strong party man, he has played key roles in the politics of Cross River State, especially in Cross River North where he hails from. Due to his activeness and commitment to the PDP in Cross River State,
*he has been seen coordinated all the PDP elections in Ogoja Local Government from 2003-2013.
*He was Director General PDP Ogoja LGA election campaign, in 2013;
*Coordinator, PDP Governorship election campaign Ogoja, in 2012;
*Coordinator, PDP Governorship elections Ogoja Local Government, in 2011;
*Coordinator, PDP Governorship election campaign for Ogoja, in 2007;
*Coordinator, PDP Governorship election Ogoja, 2003; and
*Coordinator, Thank You Tour to former Governor Donald Duke, in 2003.
Political Aspirations
In his desire to serve his people, he contested to represent his people in the House of Assembly, in 2002, but was asked to step down during the primary, by his party the PDP. Again, he contested for primary for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency in 2007, but was asked by the leadership of his party to step down. He also contested to represent his people in the green chambers of the House of Representative, in 2011, but was asked to step down by his party the PDP, his love for his people saw him contesting for the House of Representative again in 2014, but lost the primary. His steadfastness in his party, the PDP, saw him becoming the Secretary, Security Committee of the PDP campaign Organization, 2015.
Loyalty
He has also remained a steadfast and committed party man, because of his political strength, his party, the PDP, has always asked him to stay behind and win elections for the party. He is a heavy weight in the politics of northern Cross River, he is a master strategist in the business of politics. It is believed that once you have the backing of Mr. Timmy Tom, you have won elections in Ogoja. He is a strong force and a political bulldozer.
Nomination
He was nominated by the dynamic Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, as a Commissioner, and was confirmed by the Cross River State House of Assembly, on the 23rd October, 2015 as Commissioner.
Accolades
Mr. Timmy Tom, has won many awards:
*he was Best Executive Secretary by the Government of Cross River in 2005, and also the first Executive Secretary of Ogoja Urban Development Authority.
*He was awarded Excellence Service Award in 2005, by the Institute of Economic Management of Nigeria.
*Man of Substance, Safari Award by the University of Calabar.
*Best Dressed man, by the Federal School of Art Science, Ogoja,
*Man of the year, Epoch Award, in 2005.
*Rotary Club, Best Performance Award in 2005.
Epilogue
Mr. Timmy, is a man of character, he is a man who empowers the younger generation, he is a grass root politician, he is industrious and above all he is dependable.
It is worthy of note that Mr. Timmy Tom is the only nominee that 20 House of Assembly members eulogised and blew his trumpet and asked him to take a bow. He got that eulogy because of his contributions to humanity.
The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Joseph Bassey, couldn't hide his joy. He described Mr. Timmy Tom, as a great man and that he was adopting him as his Commissioner, due to his long standing relationship with the people of Calabar South.
I am very optimistic that he is going to perform exceptionally well in his new State assignment as Commissioner.
Congratulations Mr. Thomas Udam, the Commissioner-Designate!
Prince Thomas Abi Jr.
Is a Public Affairs Analyst/Social Commentator
