June 23, 2026 – Abuja, Nigeria
The Nigerian Senate has adjourned its emergency plenary session on the State Police Bill, delaying the debate on one of the most significant constitutional reforms in the country's history, to mourn the death of a member of the House of Representatives.
The Senate had convened an emergency plenary on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with the State Police Bill listed as a priority item for passage. Lawmakers were originally scheduled to resume legislative activities on July 7, but the session was called to address national security matters.
The consideration of the report was fixed for Tuesday but was deferred due to the death of Hon. Yaya Bauchi Tongo, the representative of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State.
Tongo passed away on June 12, 2026, in Abuja after a brief illness. He died at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja, where he had been receiving medical treatment.
The late lawmaker had a distinguished career in public service. He served as Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area, Special Adviser to the Gombe State Government, and a member of the Gombe State House of Assembly before his election to the House of Representatives. Until his death, he served as Chairman of the Nigeria–United Arab Emirates Parliamentary Friendship Group.
The House of Representatives had earlier expressed deep sorrow over his death, describing him as "a respected voice within the Parliament and a passionate advocate for the welfare and development of his constituents".
Following the announcement of Tongo's death, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed condolences to the late lawmaker's family, constituents and associates, praying for strength and comfort during the period of mourning. Senators then observed a minute's silence in honour of the deceased lawmaker.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police across the federation. The proposed legislation, contained in a communication dated June 15, 2026, was read during plenary on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
According to the president, the bill is designed to provide a legal framework for a dual policing structure in Nigeria, allowing states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the federal police. He said the proposed amendment is a critical component of ongoing efforts to reorganise the country's policing system to enhance security and better protect citizens.
The Senate has promised to televise the debate on the State Police Bill live to enable members of the public to be a part of it. The decision to broadcast the proceedings reflects the significance of the legislation and the Senate's commitment to transparency.
Akpabio described the proposal as a landmark initiative capable of enhancing security and promoting greater community participation in law enforcement. He noted that residents are often best positioned to identify suspicious activities and criminal elements within their communities, adding that state police would improve grassroots intelligence gathering and strengthen collaboration between local communities and security agencies.
The Senate has postponed further deliberation on the state police bill until Wednesday. Akpabio directed the committee to resubmit its report on Wednesday for further legislative action, stressing the upper chamber's commitment to expediting consideration of the bill before proceeding on its annual recess.
The bill requires a two-thirds majority of senators to pass, as it involves a constitutional amendment. Akpabio noted that the fresh Constitution Alteration Bill transmitted by the President builds on an earlier proposal and is intended to provide the constitutional foundation required for the establishment of state police.
The State Police Bill represents one of the most significant constitutional reforms in Nigeria's history. If passed, it would fundamentally change the country's security architecture by allowing states to establish their own police forces. Proponents argue that decentralised policing would improve intelligence gathering and enable states to respond more effectively to local security threats. Opponents, however, have expressed concerns about the potential for abuse by state governors.
The Senate's adjournment to mourn the death of Rep. Yaya Tongo reflects the sombre mood in the National Assembly, but the debate on state police is expected to resume on Wednesday. With President Tinubu's backing and the Senate's commitment to live coverage, the bill's passage could mark a turning point in Nigeria's approach to security governance.
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