Senate Adjourns for Rep. Yaya Tongo's Funeral

The Nigerian Senate adjourned an emergency plenary session on state police legislation to honor the memory of Rep. Yaya Tongo, who represented the Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State. Tongo passed away on June 12, 2026, at Nizamiy Hospital in Abuja following a brief illness.

His death elicited tributes from political figures, including former Minister Isa Pantami and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who praised Tongo's contributions to grassroots development and youth empowerment. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the adjournment to allow lawmakers to participate in Tongo's burial rites.

The Senate observed a minute of silence in his honor. The session was initially convened to discuss a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at establishing state police, a measure seen as crucial in addressing Nigeria's security challenges.

Legislative activities will resume when the Senate reconvenes on Wednesday.