Senate Adjourns Emergency Plenary on State Police Over Rep’s Death

The Senate on Tuesday suspended consideration of the proposed State Police Bill and all other legislative business during 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 accelerate deliberations on the constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police across the federation.

The bill, transmitted by President Bola Tinubu, is regarded as one of the most significant security reform proposals currently before the National Assembly.

However, proceedings took a solemn turn when Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the death of Tongo, who represented the Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives.

According to Akpabio, the lawmaker died on June 12, 2026, at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.

The late lawmaker’s death has attracted tributes from political leaders, colleagues and stakeholders across the country, who described him as a committed public servant dedicated to grassroots development and youth empowerment.

Tongo was first elected into the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and was re-elected in 2023 to serve in the 10th National Assembly.

In March 2026, he defected to the African Democratic Congress, joining a growing number of politicians who changed party affiliations ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Addressing lawmakers during the plenary, Akpabio announced the suspension of all legislative activities in honour of the deceased.

“Let me mention that we will not go into any other discussion today. With heavy hearts, I announce the passing of our Honourable Member of the House of Representatives, Mallam Yaya Tongo,” he said.

The Senate President extended condolences to the family of the late lawmaker and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Following the announcement, senators observed a minute of silence in his honour before the chamber adjourned.

The adjournment temporarily delays Senate consideration of several pending matters, including the State Police Bill, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish a dual policing structure comprising federal and state police services.

The Presidency has described the proposal as a crucial response to rising insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and insurgency across the country.

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