Gombe Lawmaker Passes Away After Short Illness, Speaker Abbas Mourns

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has shared his sadness over the death of Yaya Tongo, a member of the House. He called Mr Tongo's death shocking and a painful loss for the parliament and the country.

Mr Tongo, who represented Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency in Gombe State, passed away in Abuja on Friday evening after a brief illness. He was just six days away from turning 63.

Before he died, Mr Tongo was the Chairman of the Nigeria, United Arab Emirates Parliamentary Friendship Group in the House.

In a condolence message released on Saturday through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Mr Tajudeen remembered Mr Tongo as a dedicated representative who served his constituents well.

The speaker said Mr Tongo’s death was a shock, adding that the late lawmaker was active in legislative activities and made important contributions to parliamentary debates and national growth. He highlighted Mr Tongo’s input during plenary sessions and committee work, saying his experience and commitment made the House's work better.

According to the speaker, Mr Tongo’s passing has left a gap in the legislature and among those who worked closely with him. “Though it is painful to lose a colleague of his standing, the House finds comfort in knowing he lived a life worth emulating,” he said.

Mr Tajudeen also sent his condolences to the family of the late lawmaker, the people of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, and the government and people of Gombe State. He prayed for Allah’s mercy on Mr Tongo, asking that his shortcomings be forgiven and that he be granted Aljannatul Firdaus.

In a different statement from the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, the Green Chamber said it received the news of Mr Tongo’s death with “profound shock and sadness.”

The statement mentioned that the lawmaker’s passing marked the end of a career dedicated to public service, community development, and democracy. The House noted that Mr Tongo had a reputation as a seasoned politician and administrator with a long public service career across various government levels.

Before joining the House of Representatives, he was the Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area in Gombe State, a Special Adviser to the Gombe State Government, and later a member of the Gombe State House of Assembly.

The House leadership described him as a respected voice in parliament who always pushed for policies that improved the welfare of his constituents and promoted national development. According to the statement, Mr Tongo brought wisdom, experience, and a deep understanding of governance to discussions in the House, earning respect from colleagues across party lines.

“His contributions to nation-building and democratic growth will remain a lasting part of his legacy,” it said. The House also mentioned that Mr Tongo's role as Chairman of the Nigeria, United Arab Emirates Parliamentary Friendship Group showed his commitment to strengthening international relations and cooperation between Nigeria and its partners.

The House will provide details about parliamentary tributes and funeral arrangements soon. Mr Tongo’s death is a significant loss for the 10th House of Representatives, where he was seen as one of the experienced lawmakers focused on legislative debates and representing his constituency well.

His passing adds to the list of serving and former lawmakers whose deaths have created a void in Nigeria’s parliament.