The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday adjourned its emergency plenary session, halting consideration of the proposed State Police Bill following the death of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yaya Tongo.
The upper chamber had reconvened from recess with expectations of advancing debate on the constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police across the federation, a major security reform proposal under consideration by lawmakers.
However, proceedings were abruptly suspended after Senate President Godswill Akpabio formally announced the passing of Hon. Tongo, who represented the Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives.
Hon. Yaya Tongo reportedly died at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja on June 12, 2026, following a brief illness.
Lawmakers paid tribute to the late legislator, with condolences extended by political leaders including former Minister of Communications Isa Pantami and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who praised his contributions to grassroots development and public service.
The late lawmaker, first elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, was re-elected to the 10th National Assembly in 2023 before later defecting to the African Democratic Congress in March 2026.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, announcing the adjournment, said the chamber would suspend all legislative business in honour of the deceased colleague and allow members to participate in burial rites.
Following his announcement, senators observed a minute’s silence before the plenary was officially adjourned.
The decision temporarily stalls legislative momentum on several pending matters, including the State Police Bill transmitted by President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create a dual policing structure comprising federal and state police services.
The proposal has been positioned by the Federal Government as a key response to rising insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping and insurgency across the country.
Lawmakers are expected to resume deliberations on the bill when the Senate reconvenes on Wednesday.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
