Tinubu’s minister, deputy gov clash in Bauchi as aide says Tuggar wasn’t slapped

In what played out like a drama on Saturday in Bauchi,  the Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau and Minister of Foreign Affairs,  Yusuf  Tuggar reportedly clashed in a public glare during a high-profile event.

The incident allegedly took place inside a Coaster bus transporting dignitaries from the airport to the Emir’s Palace for the turbaning of former Governor Mohammed  Abubakar as Makama Babba 1 of Bauchi Emirate, which also coincided with his daughter’s wedding.

According to a report by The NATION, the high-profile ceremony attracted top dignitaries including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Gombe Governor Inuwa Yahaya.

Sources claimed tensions flared after the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government’s Minister of Foreign Affairs allegedly made derogatory remarks about Governor Bala Mohammed-led administration—a move that provoked an angry reaction from the deputy governor.

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It was further gathered that it took the intervention of the  Vice President Kashim Shettima who stepped in to calmed things.

The controversy intensified after the Governor’s son, Shamsudeen Mohammed, reposted Facebook updates hailing Jatau for “defending his father’s honour.”

One of the posts  in Hausa reads  “Yau deputy govna ya jadada loyaltyn sa wa Baba Kaura,” translating to: “Today, the Deputy Governor reaffirmed his loyalty to Baba Kaura (Governor Bala)”.

The clash is believed to be linked to a long-standing political rivalry between Tuggar and Governor Bala.

But Jatau’s media aide, Muslim Lawal denied there was an altercation that led to slapping incident as insinuated in some quarters, insisting the Deputy Governor is a responsible leader and would never act that way.

“No, no, no. How can the Deputy Governor slap a Minister? I don’t think that ever happened in Bauchi,” he said, challenging anyone with evidence to present it.

He maintained that his principal is “a responsible person” who would never engage in such conduct, especially in the presence of the Vice President.”

But the Minister’s media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, he declined to comment on the incident, stating he had not been authorised to speak on the matter.

(NATION)