Reps pause session to remember late Gombe lawmaker

The House of Representatives on Tuesday paused their session until Wednesday, July 8, to remember the late member representing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, Bauchi Tongo, who passed away last month.

The House just returned from its end-of-year break and had a short meeting before stopping proceedings. This is part of the National Assembly's tradition to pay respects to lawmakers who have died.

The session was led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. He guided members in a moment of silence for the late legislator before announcing the adjournment.

Tongo, who was part of the Peoples Democratic Party, died in Abuja on Friday, June 12, 2026, after a short illness. He passed away at the Nizamiye Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory.

During the short session, lawmakers prayed for the peace of his soul. Usman Kumo (APC, Gombe) led the Muslim prayers while Cyril Hart (APC, Rivers) led the Christian prayers.

While announcing the adjournment, Kalu asked members to attend the sitting in memory of their late colleague, even though no legislative work was planned for that day.

"Honourable members, we are adjourning today’s plenary in honour of our colleague, Hon. Bauchi Tongo, who passed on a few weeks ago. Even though we are not holding a plenary session today, members still need to come to honour one of our own because we don’t know when your turn will come. We pray that God will rest his soul," Kalu said.

The House then adjourned the session to Wednesday, July 8, when they expect to resume legislative work.

It is a common practice for both chambers of the National Assembly to stop sessions after the death of a serving member as a sign of respect. These sessions usually focus on tributes and prayers before they return to regular legislative activities.