By Abiola Olawale
A shocking altercation reportedly took place at the Emir of Bauchi’s Palace in Bauchi State on Friday, where the State’s Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau allegedly slapped Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar during a high-profile event.
The incident, which has sparked widespread controversy and a trending discussion on social media was said to have happened during the turbaning ceremony of a former Bauchi State Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar as Makama Babba 1 of Bauchi Emirate.
According to eyewitness accounts, the clash erupted after Tuggar allegedly made uncomplimentary remarks about the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.
The comments did not go down well with many and were described as offensive. The New Diplomat reports that the comments infuriated the Deputy Governor, leading to a heated exchange that culminated in a drama wherein the Deputy governor reportedly slapped Tuggar
The alleged incident was said to have occurred inside a coaster bus which was transporting dignitaries from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport to the Emir’s Palace, with Vice President Kashim Shettima and other prominent figures present.
The altercation is believed to be an extension of a long-standing political feud between Mohammed and Tuggar, a potential gubernatorial aspirant for Bauchi State givernorship elections in 2027.
Recall that Tuggar had previously criticized Mohammed’s governance, accusing him of using public criticism of the Federal government’s tax reforms to fuel his 2027 presidential ambitions.
In a January appearance on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics, Tuggar stated, “Governor Bala Mohammed showed clearly that he did not have any sincerity of purpose.”
In response, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Aminu Gamawa, condemned Tuggar’s remarks as “opportunistic and undiplomatic,” suggesting they were motivated by Tuggar’s political aspirations.
Meanwhile, as of now, neither the Bauchi State Government nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released an official statement on the incident.
