The Senate on Tuesday suspended deliberations on the proposed State Police Bill and all other legislative business during its emergency plenary session in honour of the late member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yaya Tongo.
The upper chamber had reconvened from recess amid expectations that lawmakers would advance consideration of the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across the country, a proposal regarded as a key component of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework.
However, proceedings were cut short after Senate President Godswill Akpabio formally announced the death of Tongo, who represented the Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State.
Tongo died on June 12, 2026, at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.
His passing has attracted tributes from political leaders and associates nationwide, including former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami, and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who commended his commitment to grassroots development, youth empowerment, and public service.
The late lawmaker was first elected to the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was re-elected to the 10th National Assembly in 2023. He later defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in March 2026.
Addressing senators, Akpabio said the chamber would suspend all other discussions in line with parliamentary tradition.
“With heavy hearts, I announce the passing of our Honourable Member of the House of Representatives, Mallam Yaya Tongo, representing the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, who died during this brief recess and is being committed to Mother Earth.
“Our sympathies are with the family. We pray for comfort for his children and loved ones, and may his soul rest in peace.
“In keeping with our tradition, we shall observe one minute of silence and then adjourn, returning tomorrow to continue our constitutional responsibilities,” he said.
Following the tribute, senators observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased before the chamber adjourned.
The adjournment temporarily delays consideration of several pending matters, including the State Police Bill recently transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish a dual policing system comprising federal and state police services. The Presidency has described the initiative as a critical response to growing security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency across the country.
