There was mild drama in Bauchi on Saturday when Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar reportedly clashed 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 Abdullahi Abubakar as Makama Babba 1 of Bauchi Emirate, which also coincided with his daughter’s wedding.
The high-profile ceremony drew top dignitaries including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Gombe Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
Sources claimed tensions flared after Tuggar allegedly made derogatory remarks about the Bala Mohammed-led administration—a move that provoked an angry reaction from the deputy governor
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 Bala 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 Nation reports that 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, insisting the Deputy Governor is a responsible leader and would never act that way.
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“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 when The Nation contacted 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.