Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed deep sadness over the death of his Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Dr. Dunkwu Chamberlain Nnamdi.

Abbas described the development as shocking and devastating, noting that the late aide died while actively serving the country.

Chamberlain, who hailed from Uteh Okpu community in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, was also the President of the Nigerian Aquatics Federation. He would have turned 55 on March 21.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker said he was deeply saddened by the passing of his aide in the early hours of Saturday.

“It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of my Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Dr. Dunkwu Chamberlain Nnamdi,” he said.

Abbas described the late Chamberlain as a dependable and committed ally who served diligently until his last breath.

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

According to him, the death is a painful loss to his office, the family of the deceased and associates who worked with him.

The Speaker noted that the late aide left behind a legacy of selflessness, dedication and sacrifice, adding that he would be greatly missed.

Abbas, who visited the family of the deceased to commiserate with the widow and children, prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss.

“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 he lived a life of service to humanity and his country”, he added.

Chamberlain was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative) to the Speaker on June 26, 2023, after serving as Special Adviser on Members’ Affairs to the Speaker of the 9th Assembly and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

He was a member of the All Progressives Congress and also a Knight of the Anglican Communion, Asaba Diocese. (Text, excluding headline: The Guardian)