The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, has commiserated with the family, constituents, and associates of the late member representing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Yaya Tongo, describing his death as a painful loss to his constituents, Gombe State, and the nation at large.
Governor Yahaya noted that the late lawmaker was a committed grassroots politician whose immense contributions to the development of his constituency and the welfare of his people would always be remembered.
The remains of the late Hon. Yaya Bauchi Tongo were laid to rest amid tears and prayers at his family compound in Tongo Village, Funakaye Local Government Area of Gombe State, on Saturday.
Among those who attended the funeral were members of the House of Representatives led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, alongside principal officers of the House, including the Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, and other federal lawmakers. Also in attendance were the Senator representing Gombe North Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo; the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, accompanied by members of the State Assembly; the Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi; political leaders, traditional rulers, party stakeholders, family members, and other mourners from within and outside the state.
Representing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the burial ceremony, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Manassah Daniel Jatau,Ph.D, described the deceased as a true representative of the people and a dedicated grassroots politician who devoted his life to serving his community.
Dr. Jatau stated that the late lawmaker distinguished himself through selfless service, humanitarian interventions, empowerment programmes, and the provision of democratic dividends to his constituents.
He added that Tongo was a silent achiever whose numerous developmental initiatives and contributions to the progress of his constituency would continue to serve as a lasting legacy for future generations.