Senate suspends state police debate, adjourns plenary over lawmaker’s death

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 upper chamber had reconvened from recess amid expectations that lawmakers would fast-track deliberations on the constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police across the federation as part of efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.

However, proceedings took a sombre turn after Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the passing of Tongo, who represented the Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State.

The lawmaker died on June 12, 2026, at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.

Announcing the suspension of legislative activities, Akpabio said the Senate would adjourn to enable lawmakers to mourn their late colleague and participate in his burial rites.

“With heavy hearts, I announce the passing of our Honourable Member of the House of Representatives, Mallam Yaya Tongo, representing the Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, who died during this brief recess and is being committed to Mother Earth.

“Our sympathies go to his family. 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 was first elected into the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was re-elected into the 10th National Assembly in 2023. He later defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in March 2026.

His death has drawn 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 adjournment temporarily delayed Senate action on several pending matters, including 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 and has been presented by the Presidency as a key response to rising insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and insurgency across the country.

Lawmakers are expected to resume deliberations on the bill and other constitutional amendment proposals when the Senate reconvenes on Wednesday.