Reps adjourn plenary to honor late Gombe lawmaker

Nigeria's House of Representatives suspended legislative activities on Tuesday, adjourning plenary until Wednesday, July 8. The adjournment honors the late Bauchi Tongo, who represented the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency. Tongo passed away last month in Abuja after a brief illness.

The House resumed from its legislative recess and held a brief session before suspending proceedings. This action aligns with the National Assembly's tradition of paying tribute to departed lawmakers. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu presided over the session, leading members in a moment of silence for the late legislator.

Tongo, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, died on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Nizamiye Hospital. During the brief sitting, lawmakers offered prayers for the repose of his soul. Usman Kumo led the Muslim prayers, while Cyril Hart led the Christian prayers.

"Honourable members, we are adjourning today’s plenary in honour of our colleague, Hon. Bauchi Tongo, who passed on a few weeks ago," Kalu stated. "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."

It is customary for both chambers of the National Assembly to suspend plenary following the death of a serving member as a mark of respect. These sessions are typically dedicated to tributes and prayers before normal legislative activities resume.

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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.