By Boluwatife Oshadiya | June 24, 2026
Key Points
- Senate suspended legislative business following the death of House member Yaya Tongo
- Consideration of the State Police Bill was postponed until lawmakers reconvene
- Tributes have continued to pour in for the late lawmaker from political leaders across the country
Main Story
The Senate on Tuesday postponed deliberations on the proposed State Police Bill and other legislative matters after lawmakers observed mourning proceedings for the late member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yaya Tongo.
The upper chamber had reconvened amid expectations that it would begin consideration of the constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police services across Nigeria.
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.
Tongo reportedly died at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja on June 12 following a brief illness. The lawmaker was first elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party before later joining the African Democratic Congress earlier this year.
During plenary, Akpabio informed senators that the chamber would suspend other business to honour the deceased lawmaker and allow members participate in mourning activities.
The postponement temporarily delays Senate consideration of the State Police Bill recently transmitted by President Bola Tinubu as part of broader efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.
What’s Being Said
“With heavy hearts, I announce the passing of our Honourable Member of the House of Representatives,” Akpabio told lawmakers during plenary.
“Our sympathies go with the family. Our consolation to the children and his soul should rest in peace,” he added.
Political leaders, including former Communications Minister Isa Pantami and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, have also paid tribute to the late lawmaker, describing him as a dedicated public servant committed to grassroots development.
What’s Next
- Senators are expected to reconvene and resume consideration of the State Police Bill
- Constitutional amendment deliberations remain a key priority for the National Assembly
- Funeral and memorial activities for the late lawmaker are expected to continue in the coming days
Bottom Line
The Bottom Line: While the Senate’s legislative timetable has suffered a brief interruption, the delay is unlikely to significantly affect momentum behind the state police proposal, which remains one of the most closely watched constitutional reforms before the National Assembly.
