JUST-IN: Senate Adjourns Plenary On State Police

The 10th Senate on Tuesday announced the suspension of the consideration of the highly anticipated State Police Bill and all other legislative business at its emergency plenary.

According to the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, the suspension was to honour the memory of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yaya Tongo, whose death cast a sombre mood over the National Assembly.

CityMirrorNews reports that the Red Chamber reconvened from recess amid expectations that lawmakers would accelerate action on the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police across the federation.

However, proceedings were cut short after Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the death of Tongo, who represented the Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives.

Announcing the suspension of legislative activities, Akpabio said the Senate would adjourn to allow lawmakers to join in mourning their fallen colleague and participate in burial rites.

He said, “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, representing the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, who died during this brief recess and is being committed to Mother Earth.

‘Let me say that our sympathies go with the family. Our consolation to the children and his soul should rest in peace.

“However, in line with our tradition, we will observe one minute’s silence and then recess from the hall to come back for our constitutional duty tomorrow. May we rise to observe one minute’s silence.”

Following the tribute, senators observed a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased before the chamber adjourned.

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