Auwal Jatau, Bauchi State deputy gov (L) and Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
A reported clash between, Auwal Jatau, Bauch State deputy governor, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the Emir’s Palace on Friday May have sparked a serious controversy has erupted in Bauchi State.
The incident was said to have occured during a turbaning ceremony for former Bauchi State governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, who received the title of Makama Babba 1 of Bauchi Emirate. The ceremony also included the wedding of Abubakar’s daughter, Khadija Mohammed, and was attended by many top dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Witnesses at the event disclosed that a heated argument broke out after Minister Tuggar allegedly made negative comments about the Bala Mohammed-led administration. These remarks reportedly angered the Deputy Governor, who allegedly responded by slapping the Minister.
Revealed a source at the scene: “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”.
This altercation appears to be part of a wider political disagreement between Minister Tuggar and Governor Bala Mohammed. Tuggar, who belongs to the All Progressives Congress (APC), has often criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government in the State.
There are also reports suggesting that the Minister may be preparing to run for governor in the 2027 elections.
As at press time, neither the Bauchi State Government nor the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs had released an official statement about the incident. The APC in Bauchi State has also not responded publicly.
