The Senate on Tuesday suspended consideration of the proposed State Police Bill and other legislative business during an emergency plenary session to honour the memory of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yaya Tongo.
The decision followed the announcement of Tongo’s death by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which cast a sombre mood over the National Assembly.
Lawmakers had reconvened from recess with expectations that deliberations on the constitutional amendment bill—seeking to establish state police across Nigeria—would be prioritised as part of ongoing security reforms.
However, proceedings were halted after Akpabio informed the chamber that Tongo, who represented Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, had died on June 12, 2026, at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.
His passing prompted tributes from political figures across the country, including former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami, and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who praised his contributions to grassroots development, youth empowerment, and public service.
Tongo was first elected into the House of Representatives under 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.
Announcing the suspension of legislative activities, Akpabio said the Senate would adjourn to allow members to mourn the late lawmaker and attend his burial rites.
“Let me mention that we will not go into any other discussion today. With heavy hearts, I announce the passing of our Honourable Member of the House of Representatives, Mallam Yaya Tongo… Our sympathies go with the family,” he said.
He added that the chamber would observe a minute’s silence in his honour before adjourning.
Following the tribute, senators observed a minute’s silence, after which the chamber adjourned.
The suspension temporarily delays consideration of key legislative items, including the State Police Bill transmitted by President Bola Tinubu.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create a dual policing structure comprising federal and state police services, which the Presidency says is aimed at addressing rising insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency across the country.
