Speaker Abbas’ Deputy Chief of Staff dies at 54

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed shock over the death of his Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Dr Dunkwu Chamberlain Nnamdi, who died in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 54.

Dr Nnamdi, a native of Uteh Okpu community in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, would have turned 55 on March 21.

In a statement issued by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Abbas described the development 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,” Abbas said.

The Speaker noted that the late aide remained committed to his duties until his final hours, recalling that he joined him and other colleagues for breaking of fast on Friday evening, just hours before his death.

“Dr Chamberlain was not just my Deputy Chief of Staff; he was a dependable and committed ally who served diligently until his last breath,” Abbas said.

“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.”

Abbas described the late aide as a man who lived a life of service and dedication, leaving behind a legacy of selflessness and responsibility.

He also visited the family of the deceased to commiserate with his widow and children, urging them to remain strong in the face of the loss.

Dr Nnamdi was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative) to the Speaker on June 26, 2023.

Before the appointment, he served as Special Adviser on Members’ Affairs to the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives and Chief of Staff to Femi Gbajabiamila during his tenure as Speaker.

Aside from his legislative work, Nnamdi was also President of the Nigerian Aquatics Federation, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and a Knight of the Anglican Communion in the Asaba Diocese.