There was mild drama at the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi on Friday, when Auwal Jatau, the state’s deputy governor, reportedly slapped the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a heated argument. TheNewsGuru.com could not, however, independently confirm this.
The incident allegedly occurred during the turbaning of former Bauchi State governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, as the Makama Babba 1 of Bauchi Emirate.
According to eyewitnesses, the clash ensued after the deputy governor, found the comment of the Foreign Minister against Bala Mohammed-led administration, offensive.
“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 revealed.
The altercation is believed to be a continuation of the long-standing political rift between Minister Tuggar and Bala Mohammed.
Tuggar, a staunch critic of the PDP-led government in the state had earlier accused the governor of using his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms to kickstart his 2027 presidential ambition.
“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.”
Reacting, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Aminu Gamawa, had described the minister’s comments as opportunistic and undiplomatic, accusing him of seeking to curry favours from the Tinubu administration.
“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 said.