The death of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yaya Tongo, on Tuesday forced the Senate to suspend all legislative activities, including consideration of the much-anticipated State Police Bill. Tongo, who represented the Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, died on June 12, 2026, at Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.
Announcing the development during an emergency plenary session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed sadness over the lawmaker’s passing and said the upper chamber would adjourn to enable members participate in mourning activities and burial rites. He described the late lawmaker as a dedicated public servant and extended condolences to his family, constituents and colleagues.
The Senate had reconvened from recess amid expectations that lawmakers would begin deliberations on the constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police across the country. However, proceedings were cut short as senators observed a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased before the chamber adjourned.
Tongo’s death attracted tributes from political leaders and associates, 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. The late lawmaker was first elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and was re-elected into the 10th National Assembly in 2023 before defecting to the African Democratic Congress in March 2026.
The adjournment temporarily delays Senate action on several pending matters, notably the State Police Bill transmitted 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 as part of efforts to address growing security challenges across the country. Lawmakers are expected to resume deliberations on the bill when the Senate reconvenes on Wednesday.
