ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Senate on Tuesday suspended deliberations on the proposed State Police Bill and all other legislative business after the death of a member of the House of Representatives, Yaya Tongo, cast a sombre atmosphere over the National Assembly.
Lawmakers had reconvened from recess amid expectations that the upper chamber would accelerate consideration of the constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police services across the federation, a proposal regarded as a major reform of Nigeria’s security architecture.
However, proceedings were cut short when 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 following a brief illness.
His passing attracted tributes from political leaders and associates, including former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami, and Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who commended 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 was re-elected to the 10th National Assembly in 2023.
In March 2026, he defected to the African Democratic Congress as part of a wave of political realignments ahead of the next election cycle.
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Announcing the suspension of legislative activities, Akpabio said senators would adjourn to mourn their late colleague and participate in the burial arrangements.
“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.
“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 of silence before the chamber adjourned.
The development temporarily delayed Senate consideration of several pending matters, including the State Police Bill recently transmitted by President Bola Ahmed 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 presented the initiative as a key response to rising insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and insurgency.
Senators are expected to resume deliberations on the bill and other constitutional amendment proposals when the Senate reconvenes on Wednesday.