The House of Representatives on Tuesday suspended plenary until Wednesday as a mark of respect for the late lawmaker representing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, Bauchi Tongo, who passed away last month.
The Punch reported that the lawmakers, who had just resumed from the end-of-legislative-year recess, held only a short session before adjourning in line with the National Assembly’s tradition of honouring deceased members.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the sitting, led members in a moment of reflection for the late legislator before announcing the adjournment.
Tongo, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, died on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.
During the brief proceedings, members offered prayers for the repose of his soul. Usman Kumo (APC, Gombe) led the Muslim prayers, while Cyril Hart (APC, Rivers) offered the Christian prayers.
Announcing the adjournment, Kalu urged lawmakers to attend the special sitting held in honour of their late colleague, despite the absence of legislative business.
“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.
Following the tribute, the House adjourned plenary until Wednesday, when it is expected to resume its regular legislative activities.
