The Senate on Tuesday put on hold deliberations on the proposed State Police Bill and other legislative matters during its emergency plenary session in honour of the late member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yaya Tongo.
The upper legislative chamber had reconvened from recess amid widespread expectations that lawmakers would begin accelerated consideration of the constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police across the country, a proposal regarded as a key component of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework.
However, proceedings took a different turn after Senate President Godswill Akpabio formally announced the death of Tongo, who represented the Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives.
Tongo died on June 12, 2026, at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.
His passing has attracted tributes from political leaders, colleagues and associates nationwide. Among those who paid tribute were former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami, and the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who both commended the late lawmaker’s dedication to public service, youth development and grassroots empowerment.
The deceased politician was first elected into the House of Representatives under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and won a second term in the 2023 general election as a member of the 10th National Assembly.
In March 2026, he defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), joining a growing number of lawmakers who switched political parties ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Announcing the suspension of legislative business, Akpabio said the Senate would adjourn to enable members participate in mourning activities and burial arrangements for their late colleague.
He expressed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the peaceful repose of the lawmaker’s soul.
In line with parliamentary tradition, senators observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased before the chamber adjourned.
The decision has temporarily delayed Senate consideration of several pending issues, including the State Police Bill recently transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish a dual policing system comprising federal and state police formations. The Presidency has described the bill as a crucial measure for addressing growing security concerns such as banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and other violent crimes across the country.
The Senate is expected to resume deliberations on the State Police Bill and other constitutional amendment proposals when lawmakers reconvene on Wednesday.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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