The deputy governor of Bauchi state, Auwal Jatau, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, reportedly engaged themselves in a heated altercation that degenerated into fisticuffs on Friday, April 18, 2025.
According to reports, the development occurred in a bus conveying both political office-holders to Bauchi city from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport in Bauchi state on Friday to the Bauchi Emir’s Palace for the turbaning of former Governor Mohammed Abubakar, has sparked widespread speculation and political intrigue.
According to Leadership newspaper, an argument allegedly broke out after Minister Tuggar made derogatory remarks about Governor Bala Mohammed, prompting a furious response from Jatau, who was said to have slapped the minister in the presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima and several other prominent figures.
Recall that the relationship between Governor Mohammed and the Foreign Affairs Minister Tuggar became sour recently following the governor’s fierce criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s policies, particularly the Tax Reform Bills, which he claimed would make the northern part of the country poorer.
Tuggar, a loyalist of President Bola Tinubu and a potential gubernatorial aspirant in Bauchi for 2027 election, had accused Governor Mohammed of poor governance and political opportunism.
In a swift reaction to the development, the deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Auwal Jatau, denied reports circulating on social media and various platforms alleging that he slapped the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
As reported by Arise News, the deputy governor’s media aide, Muslim Lawal, dismissed the claims as entirely false and baseless.
Lawal further questioned the authenticity of the reports and challenged anyone with concrete evidence to present it.
In another development, TimesNow.com.ng reported that Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has been urged to focus on empowering Bauchi youths rather than giving temporary food donations.
Shamsuddeen Mohammed, son of Bauchi governor Bala Mohammed, made this appeal via a statement shared on his social media page.
Shamsuddeen spoke after Seyi Tinubu was seen distributing food during his tour to some states in the northern region.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
