The House of Representatives has received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Sir Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, PhD, KSC, Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Sir Dunkwu passed away in the early hours of Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the age of 54. He would have marked his 55th birthday on March 21, 2026.
Until his passing, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, having been appointed on June 26, 2023. In that capacity, he played a key role in supporting legislative coordination and strengthening parliamentary administration within the National Assembly.
Sir Dunkwu previously served as Special Adviser on Members’ Affairs to the Speaker of the 9th Assembly and later as Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. Across these roles, he earned a reputation as a loyal and diligent parliamentary aide who contributed significantly to the effectiveness of legislative leadership.
Beyond the legislature, he was widely respected in Nigeria’s sporting community, serving as President of the Nigerian Aquatics Federation (NAqF), where he supported the development of aquatic sports in the country. He was also known for his humility, dedication to public service, and commitment to national development. He was also a Knight of Saint Christopher (KSC) of the Anglican Communion, Asaba Diocese.
Reacting to the loss, Speaker Abbas expressed deep shock and sorrow over the passing of his close aide.
“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,” the Speaker 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. This is one death too many! But we take solace in the fact that he lived a life of service to humanity and his country.
“He leaves behind a legacy of selflessness, dedication, sacrifice, and 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,” Speaker Abbas added.
The Speaker also visited the family of the deceased to commiserate with his widow and children, urging them to remain strong in the face of the painful loss.
The House of Representatives mourns the loss of a committed public servant whose contributions strengthened legislative administration and parliamentary governance in Nigeria.
The House extends its deepest condolences to his family, the government and people of Delta State, the Nigerian Aquatics Federation, and the broader legislative and sporting communities.
