The Senate on Tuesday suspended consideration of the highly anticipated State Police Bill and all other legislative business at its emergency plenary session to honour the memory of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yaya Tongo, whose death cast a sombre mood over the National Assembly.

The upper chamber had reconvened from recess amid expectations that lawmakers would accelerate action on the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police across the federation, a measure widely seen as a major step in the ongoing effort to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.

However, proceedings were cut short after Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the death of Tongo, who represented the Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives.

Tongo passed away at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja on June 12, 2026, following a brief illness.

His death triggered an outpouring of tributes from political leaders and associates across the country, including former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami, and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who both praised his contributions 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 and secured re-election to the 10th National Assembly in 2023.

He later defected to the African Democratic Congress in March 2026, becoming one of several lawmakers who changed party affiliation ahead of the next election cycle.

Announcing the suspension of legislative activities, Akpabio said the Senate would adjourn to allow lawmakers to join in mourning their fallen colleague and participate in burial rites.

He said, “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, representing the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, who died during this brief recess and is being committed to Mother Earth.

‘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. May we rise to observe one minute’s silence.”

Following the tribute, senators observed a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased before the chamber adjourned.

The development temporarily delays Senate action on several pending matters, including the State Police Bill transmitted by President Bola Tinubu.

The legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create a dual policing structure consisting of federal and state police services. It has been presented by the Presidency as a critical response to rising insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and insurgency across the country.

Lawmakers are expected to resume deliberations on the bill and other constitutional amendment proposals when the Senate reconvenes on Wednesday. (The PUNCH, excluding headline)

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