By Joy Yesufu
The Senate on Tuesday suspended consideration of the proposed State Police Bill and other legislative business at its emergency plenary session following the death of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yaya Tongo.
The development temporarily halted deliberations on one of the most anticipated constitutional amendment bills before the National Assembly, which seeks to establish state police as part of broader efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.
The upper chamber had reconvened from recess amid expectations that lawmakers would begin consideration of the bill transmitted by President Bola Tinubu.
However, proceedings took a sombre when after Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the passing of Tongo, who represented the Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State.
Tongo reportedly died on June 12, 2026, at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.
Paying tribute to the late lawmaker, Akpabio described his death as a painful loss to the National Assembly and extended condolences to his family, constituents and the people of Gombe State.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our colleague, Hon. Yaya Tongo. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace,” the Senate President said.
Following the announcement, senators observed a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased before the chamber adjourned.
Tongo, who was first elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), secured re-election to the House of Representatives in 2023. He later defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in March 2026.
The Senate is expected to resume plenary on Wednesday, when lawmakers are likely to revisit the State Police Bill and other pending constitutional amendment proposals.
