JUST IN: SENATE SUSPENDS STATE POLICE BILL DEBATE AFTER LAWMAKER’S DEATH SHOCKS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE SUSPENDS STATE POLICE BILL DEBATE AFTER LAWMAKER’S DEATH SHOCKS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday suspended deliberations on the much-anticipated State Police Bill and other legislative activities during its emergency plenary session following the death of Hon. Yaya Tongo, a member of the House of Representatives.

Lawmakers had reconvened from recess amid growing expectations that the Senate would begin accelerated consideration of the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police structures across Nigeria, a proposal regarded as one of the most significant security reforms currently before the National Assembly.

However, proceedings were unexpectedly cut short after Senate President Godswill Akpabio formally announced the death of Hon. Tongo, throwing the National Assembly into mourning.

The late lawmaker represented Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives.

According to information presented during plenary, Tongo died on June 12, 2026, at Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.

His passing has since attracted tributes from political leaders and associates across the country, with several public figures acknowledging his contributions to grassroots development, youth empowerment, and public service.

Among those who reportedly paid tribute are former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami, and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who both described the late legislator as a dedicated public servant.

Tongo was first elected into the House of Representatives under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later secured re-election into the 10th National Assembly in 2023.

In March 2026, he defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), joining a growing number of politicians changing party affiliations ahead of future election activities.

Announcing the suspension of legislative business, Senate President Akpabio said the upper chamber would adjourn to allow lawmakers participate in mourning activities and burial rites in honour of the deceased lawmaker.

Addressing senators, Akpabio said the Senate would not proceed with any legislative discussions for the day out of respect for the late House member.

Following the announcement, senators observed one minute of silence in honour of Tongo before the chamber was adjourned.

The development temporarily delays Senate action on several pending national matters, including the State Police Bill recently transmitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution and establish a dual policing system that would allow both federal and state governments to operate separate police services.

The Tinubu administration has described the proposal as a major step toward addressing growing insecurity challenges, including terrorism, kidnapping, armed banditry, and insurgency affecting several parts of the country.

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

The temporary delay comes as national conversations around state policing continue to intensify, with supporters arguing that decentralized policing could significantly improve local security management across Nigeria.