By Juliet Ezeh
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed deep grief over the death of his Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Dunkwu Chamberlain, who passed away in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 54 after a brief illness.
Abbas described the development as devastating, noting that the late Chamberlain remained actively engaged in public service until his final moments.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, the Speaker said he was deeply saddened by the sudden loss, recalling that the deceased had joined him and other colleagues at a Ramadan breaking of fast only hours before his death.
According to the Speaker, the memory of seeing Chamberlain in high spirits on Friday evening makes the loss even harder to comprehend.
He described the late official as a dependable ally who served the country with dedication and commitment throughout his career.
Abbas added that Chamberlain’s passing has left members of his office, colleagues at the House of Representatives of Nigeria, and his family in deep mourning.
The Speaker further stated that the deceased lived a life defined by service to humanity and Nigeria, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, sacrifice and responsibility.
Chamberlain, who also served as President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, hailed from Uteh Okpu community in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
He was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative) to the Speaker on June 26, 2023, after previously serving as Special Adviser on Members’ Affairs to the Speaker of the 9th Assembly. He also served as Chief of Staff to the current Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Aquatics Federation earlier confirmed his death in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Taiwo Oriss.
The federation said it received the news with submission to the will of God and prayed that the deceased’s family, the National Assembly and the Nigerian sports community would find the strength to bear the loss.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.