The Senate on Tuesday suspended deliberations on the proposed State Police Bill and other legislative matters following the death of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yaya Tongo, prompting an early adjournment of its emergency plenary session.
Lawmakers had reconvened amid heightened expectations that the upper chamber would begin consideration of a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, a proposal regarded as a significant component of efforts to address the country’s growing security challenges.
However, proceedings took a different turn when Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the passing of Tongo, who represented the Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives.
Tongo died on June 12, 2026, at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.
His death has attracted tributes from political leaders and associates, who described him as a dedicated public servant committed to community development and youth empowerment.
Among those who paid tribute were former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami, and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, both of whom commended the late lawmaker’s contributions to his constituency and public life.
Before his death, Tongo had served two terms in the House of Representatives.
He was first elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and returned to the National Assembly in 2023.
In March 2026, he defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), joining a growing number of lawmakers who switched political parties ahead of the next election cycle.
Announcing the Senate’s decision to halt legislative business, Akpabio said the chamber would adjourn to enable lawmakers participate in mourning activities and burial rites for their departed colleague.
“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,” Akpabio said.
He extended condolences to the deceased’s family and urged senators to observe a minute of silence in his honour.
“Let me say that our sympathies go with the family. Our consolation to the children and his soul should rest in peace. However, in line with our tradition, we will observe one minute’s silence and then recess from the hall to come back for our constitutional duty tomorrow,” he added.
Following the tribute, senators stood for a minute’s silence before the Senate adjourned its sitting.
The adjournment temporarily stalls consideration of several pending legislative 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 provide a legal framework for a dual policing system comprising federal and state police services.
The presidency has argued that the reform is necessary to strengthen internal security and improve responses to banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and other criminal activities across the country.
The Senate is expected to resume deliberations on the bill and other constitutional amendment proposals when lawmakers reconvene on Wednesday.
