Tribute to Late Legislator Bauchi Tongo
The House of Representatives concluded its plenary session on Tuesday, adjourning until Wednesday. This decision was made in honor of the late member representing the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State, Bauchi Tongo, who passed away last month. The move reflects the National Assembly’s tradition of paying tribute to deceased lawmakers, ensuring that their contributions are remembered and respected.
The House had just resumed from its end-of-legislative-year recess when it held a brief sitting before suspending proceedings. This short session allowed members to observe a moment of reflection for the late legislator, highlighting the importance of unity and respect within the legislative body.
The session was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who led the members in honoring the memory of Bauchi Tongo. During the proceedings, members were given the opportunity to offer prayers for the repose of his soul. Usman Kumo, representing the APC in Gombe, led Muslim prayers, while Cyril Hart, from the APC in Rivers, led Christian prayers. This interfaith observance underscored the diverse backgrounds of the lawmakers and their shared commitment to honoring their colleague.
Bauchi Tongo, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, died at the Nizamiye Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Friday, June 12, 2026, after a brief illness. His passing came as a shock to many, and the House’s decision to adjourn the session was a gesture of solidarity with his family and colleagues.
In announcing the adjournment, Kalu urged all members to attend the sitting in honor of their late colleague, even though there was no legislative business to address. He emphasized the importance of remembering that every member could be next in line for such an occasion.
“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 adjournment, the House scheduled its next session for Wednesday, when legislative business is expected to resume. This period of reflection and remembrance serves as a reminder of the human side of politics and the importance of community and support among lawmakers.
Key Details About the Session
- The House of Representatives adjourned its plenary session on Tuesday in honor of the late Bauchi Tongo.
- The session was brief, allowing members to pay tribute to the late legislator.
- The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, presided over the session and led the moment of reflection.
- Prayers were offered by Usman Kumo (APC, Gombe) and Cyril Hart (APC, Rivers), reflecting the diversity of the legislative body.
- Kalu urged members to attend the session despite the absence of legislative business, emphasizing the importance of honoring their colleague.
- The House will resume its sessions on Wednesday, with legislative business expected to continue.
