The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday suspended its emergency plenary session, halting deliberations on the much-anticipated State Police Bill, to honour the memory of Hon. Yaya Tongo, a member of the House of Representatives who recently passed away.
Lawmakers had reconvened from recess with expectations of fast-tracking the constitutional amendment to establish state police across the federation.
However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced Tongo’s death, prompting the chamber to adjourn in respect.Tongo, who represented Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, died on June 12, 2026, at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.
His passing drew tributes from leaders including former Minister Isa Pantami and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who praised his contributions to grassroots development and youth empowerment.
First elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tongo secured re-election in 2023 before defecting to the African Democratic Congress in March 2026.Akpabio told senators, “With heavy hearts, I announce the passing of our Honourable Member… Our sympathies go with the family. May his soul rest in peace.”
The chamber observed a minute’s silence before adjourning.The adjournment temporarily delays consideration of the State Police Bill, transmitted by President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create a dual policing structure of federal and state police services.
Lawmakers are expected to resume deliberations on the bill and other pending matters when the Senate reconvenes Wednesday.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com