Speaker Abbas’ deputy chief of staff dies at 54

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed deep shock over the death of his Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Mr. Dunkwu Nnamdi.

Dunkwu, who hailed from Uteh Okpu community in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, died in the early hours of Saturday. He would have turned 55 on March 21.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Abbas described the death as shocking and devastating.

“It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of my Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Dr. Dunkwu Chamberlain Nnamdi, who passed in the early hours of Saturday, March 7, 2026,” Abbas said.

He noted that the late aide remained committed to duty until his death, recalling that he had joined him and other colleagues for the breaking of fast on Friday evening.

Dr. Chamberlain was not just my Deputy Chief of Staff; he was a dependable and committed ally who served diligently until his last breath. Chamberlain was full of life just a few hours before his passing when he joined me and my colleagues at the breaking of fast on Friday evening.

“This is indeed a moment of grief for me, my colleagues, his family, and the staff in my office as we mourn the death of this wonderful human being. This is one death too many! But we find solace in the fact that Dr. Chamberlain lived a life of service to humanity and his country,” the Speaker added.

Abbas said the deceased left behind a legacy of dedication and service.
“He leaves behind a legacy of selflessness, dedication, sacrifice, and a sense of responsibility. We will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this trying moment. I pray to the Almighty God to accept his soul,” he said.

The Speaker also visited the family of the late Deputy Chief of Staff to commiserate with his widow and children.

Whatever has a beginning must have an end. Please, take heart. It is really shocking, but we can’t question God. He lived a life full of service to humanity,” Abbas said while praying for God to grant the family the strength to bear the loss.

Dr. Chamberlain was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative) to the Speaker on June 26, 2023. He previously served as Special Adviser on Members’ Affairs to the Speaker of the 9th House and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

He was also the President of the Nigerian Aquatics Federation and a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress. An astute sports administrator, he was also a Knight of the Anglican Communion, Asaba Diocese.

Culled from vanguard