There was mild drama at the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi on Friday as the state’s Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, allegedly slapped the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a heated exchange.
The incident occurred during the turbaning ceremony of former Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, as the Makama Babba 1 of Bauchi Emirate.
The event also coincided with the wedding of Abubakar’s daughter, Khadija.
Top political figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, were present at the high-profile occasion.
Eyewitnesses said that the clash erupted after Tuggar reportedly made unflattering remarks about the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed.
The comments were said to have angered Jatau, who reacted by slapping the minister.
“The Deputy Governor was visibly furious. It was a shocking moment. If not for Vice President Shettima’s swift intervention, it could have escalated badly,” a source said.
The confrontation is believed to stem from a long-standing political rift between Tuggar and Governor Mohammed.
Tuggar, a known critic of the PDP-led administration in the state, had previously accused the governor of using the tax reform initiative of President Bola Tinubu to launch his 2027 presidential bid.
In a January appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Tuggar had stated: “Governor Bala Mohammed showed clearly that he did not have any sincerity of purpose. He used the tax bill debate to jumpstart his presidential campaign.”
Responding at the time, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Aminu Gamawa, described Tuggar’s remarks as “opportunistic and undiplomatic,” adding that the minister was seeking political favour from the presidency.
“Tuggar’s ambition to run for governor in 2027 is the real reason behind these constant attacks. But maligning a performing governor won’t help him,” Gamawa had said.
He also accused the minister of neglecting his duties in foreign affairs, claiming it had weakened Nigeria’s diplomatic standing, especially across Africa.
The Deputy Governor however has denied the allegation, saying he never assaulted the foreign minister .
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