Ken Ugwu Nnamani (born 2 November 1948) is a Nigerian politician who was President of the Senate of Nigeria from 2005 to 2007. A member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he was elected to the Senate from Enugu East Senatorial District of Enugu State in 2003 and served in the Senate until 2007.

Background

Ken Nnamani was born on November 2, 1948, in Enugu. He holds both BBA and MBA degrees from the Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and has worked for Du Pont De Nemours International and Geneva and Nova Chemicals International as a marketing executive and later as a consultant. He was the principal consultant, at Maredec Limited.

Senate career

Ken Nnamani was elected to the Senate for Enugu East in 2003. He was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Federal Character & Governmental Affairs and a member of Committees on Privatization, Federal Capital Territory, and Appropriation & Finance. He became President of the Senate of Nigeria from April 5, 2005, to 2007, taking this post after Adolphus Wabara resigned due to allegations of corruption.

Speaking in August 2006, Nnamani said “In a multicultural and multi-religious country like Nigeria credible elections provide platforms for different constituents of the republic to continue to collaborate to promote the good of all. The 2007 election is arguably the most important election in Nigeria … The 2007 elections in Nigeria hold the key to entrenching democracy in Nigeria.”

Later career

On 6 May 2008, the Ken Nnamani Centre for Leadership and Development was launched in Abuja. The goal of the center is to facilitate qualitative and transformative leadership and development in Africa.

In a June 2009 interview, Ken Nnamani expressed concerns about progress toward full democracy in Nigeria. He said “History tells us that there has never been a consolidated democracy without a robust and large middle class. Nigeria does not have a middle class and it is, therefore, no surprise that our democracy is weak and reversible.”

Awards and recognition

• On December 7, 2007, Senator Ken Nnamani received the Role Model Award in the Fight Against Corruption conferred on him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in conjunction with the Code of Conduct Bureau, Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC)
• On November 12, 2007, the New York-based Parliamentarians For Global Action (PGA) bestowed on him the 2007 Defender of Democracy Award, making him the first Nigerian to receive the coveted award.

Networth

He is estimated to be worth anywhere between $20m – $100m

References