Top Aide to Speaker Abbas, 54, Passes Away

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has been left reeling in shock over the sudden passing of his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Dunkwu Nnamdi, who hailed from Uteh Okpu community in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.

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Dunkwu's life was tragically cut short in the early hours of Saturday, just ahead of his 55th birthday, which was set to take place on March 21.

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In a statement released on Saturday by Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Abbas expressed his deep sadness and devastation at the loss of his deputy chief of staff.

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Abbas described the death as a profound loss, stating that he was mourning the passing of his Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Dunkwu Chamberlain Nnamdi, who had passed away in the early hours of Saturday, March 7, 2026, with a heavy heart.

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The Speaker fondly recalled that the late aide had been fully committed to his duties until the very end, noting that he had joined him and other colleagues for the breaking of fast on the evening of Friday.

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Abbas remembered Dr. Chamberlain as a dependable and committed ally who had served diligently until his last breath, and who had been full of life just hours before his passing when he joined the Speaker and his colleagues at the breaking of fast.

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The Speaker's grief was palpable as he described the moment as one of immense sorrow for himself, his colleagues, the deceased's family, and the staff in his office, mourning the loss of a wonderful human being and acknowledging that the death was one too many.

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However, Abbas found solace in the fact that Dr. Chamberlain had lived a life of service to humanity and his country, and that his legacy would endure.

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The deceased, according to Abbas, had left behind a legacy of dedication and service, marked by selflessness, dedication, sacrifice, and a strong sense of responsibility, and would be deeply missed.

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Abbas extended his thoughts and prayers to the family of the deceased, particularly his widow and children, and prayed to the Almighty God to accept Dr. Chamberlain's soul.

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In a show of solidarity, the Speaker visited the family of the late Deputy Chief of Staff to offer his condolences and comfort to his loved ones.

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During his visit, Abbas urged the family to take heart, acknowledging that while the loss was shocking, it was also a reminder that every beginning must have an end, and prayed for God to grant them the strength to bear their grief.

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Dr. Chamberlain had been appointed as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Speaker on June 26, 2023, and had previously served in various roles, including as Special Adviser on Members' Affairs to the Speaker of the 9th House and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

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He was also a prominent figure in other fields, serving as the President of the Nigerian Aquatics Federation, a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress, and an astute sports administrator, as well as a Knight of the Anglican Communion, Asaba Diocese.