By George Ozalla
The House of Representatives has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Sir Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative) to the Speaker of the House, describing his death as a painful loss to the legislature and the nation.
Sir Dunkwu reportedly passed away in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 54, just weeks before his 55th birthday which would have been marked on March 21.
According to a press statement signed by the Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Rep. Akin Rotimi, the late Dunkwu served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative) to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, since June 26, 2023, where he played a key role in supporting legislative coordination and strengthening parliamentary administration within the National Assembly.
The statement noted that before his appointment to the current role, Dunkwu had served the National Assembly in various capacities, including as Special Adviser on Members’ Affairs to the Speaker of the 9th Assembly and later as Chief of Staff to the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
Across these roles, he built a reputation as a loyal, hardworking and dependable parliamentary aide who contributed significantly to the effectiveness of legislative leadership and the smooth functioning of parliamentary activities.
Beyond his contributions within the legislature, Dunkwu was also widely respected in Nigeria’s sporting community. He served as President of the Nigerian Aquatics Federation where he supported the development and promotion of aquatic sports across the country.
He was also known for his humility, commitment to public service and dedication to national development, while remaining active in his faith community as a Knight of Saint Christopher of the Anglican Communion, Asaba Diocese.
Reacting to the development, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen expressed shock and sadness over the passing of his close aide, describing him as a committed ally who served the legislature with dedication.
The Speaker noted that Dunkwu had appeared full of life just hours before his death, having joined him and other colleagues at a breaking of fast on Friday evening.
Abbas said the loss has left him, members of the House, the family of the deceased and staff of his office in deep grief, adding that the late parliamentary aide lived a life marked by service, sacrifice and responsibility.
He stated that Dunkwu’s contributions to legislative administration and public service would not be forgotten, noting that his legacy of dedication and selflessness would continue to inspire those who worked with him.
The Speaker also paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased where he sympathised with his widow and children, urging them to remain strong during the difficult period.
The House of Representatives described Dunkwu as a committed public servant whose efforts helped strengthen legislative administration and parliamentary governance in Nigeria.
The House extended condolences to his family, the government and people of Delta State, the Nigerian Aquatics Federation and members of the legislative and sporting communities.
Sir Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu was regarded as a respected public servant whose career spanned legislative administration and sports development, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication.
