The House of Representatives has been thrown into mourning following the death of Hon. Yaya Bauchi Tongo, the lawmaker representing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State.
Tongo reportedly passed away in Abuja on Friday after a brief illness.
Confirming the development in a statement, the House Spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi, said the announcement was made on behalf of the Gombe State Caucus in the House of Representatives.
He described the late legislator as a devoted public servant whose life was dedicated to serving his constituents, Gombe State, and Nigeria.
“Rep. Tongo was a dedicated public servant, seasoned grassroots politician, and committed legislator whose life was marked by unwavering service to his people and the nation,” Rotimi said.
Before his election to the National Assembly, Tongo built an extensive record in public service. He served as Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area, Special Adviser to the Gombe State Government, and a member of the Gombe State House of Assembly.
At the House of Representatives, he chaired the Nigeria–United Arab Emirates Parliamentary Friendship Group and was widely regarded as an influential voice on issues affecting his constituency and national development.
Paying further tribute to the deceased lawmaker, Rotimi said:
“A respected voice within the Parliament and a passionate advocate for the welfare and development of his constituents, Hon. Tongo brought wisdom, experience, and a deep understanding of governance to legislative deliberations. His contributions to nation-building and democratic development will remain an enduring part of his legacy.”
The House leadership, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, joined lawmakers across party lines in mourning the loss, extending condolences to the late legislator’s family, constituents, and the people of Gombe State.
“On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, the leadership, and the entire membership of the House, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, and the Government and people of Gombe State on this painful loss.
“As we mourn the passing of our dear colleague, we pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus. We also pray that Allah (SWT) grants his family, loved ones, constituents, and colleagues the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Rotimi stated.
He added that details of parliamentary tributes and funeral arrangements would be announced by the House of Representatives in due course.
The death of Hon. Tongo marks the loss of a serving federal lawmaker whose political career spanned grassroots administration, state governance, and national legislative service. His passing leaves a significant void in both the National Assembly and the political landscape of Gombe State.
