Politics
Untold Reasons Deputy Governor May Have Slapped Tinubu’s Minister (News Analysis)
By Benjamin Abioye
According to multiple news reports and political whispers around Northern Nigeria, a tense moment occurred at the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi on Friday during a high-profile event, when Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, reportedly slapped the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.
The deputy governor was said to have slapped the minister during a ceremony honouring former Bauchi Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, who was being conferred with the traditional title of Makama Babba 1. The ceremony also included the wedding celebration of his daughter, Khadija Mohammed.
The event drew many top political figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. According to the reports, the conflict began when Minister Tuggar allegedly made some unflattering comments about Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration. These remarks reportedly angered the Deputy Governor, leading to a heated confrontation.
“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 witness stated.
Why Deputy Governor May Have Slapped Tinubu’s Minister
If truly the deputy governor slapped the minister, it would appear to be part of an ongoing political dispute between Tuggar and Governor Bala Mohammed. Tuggar, a known critic of the PDP-led government in Bauchi, has often taken shots at the Governor’s intentions and actions. In a previous TV interview, Tuggar accused the Governor of using the federal tax reform discussion to boost his own political ambitions.
“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,” Tuggar had said.
Responding to those comments at the time, Aminu Gamawa, Chief of Staff to Governor Mohammed, called the minister’s statements “opportunistic and undiplomatic.” He suggested Tuggar’s real motivation was his desire to run for governor in 2027.
“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.
He further criticized the minister’s performance in office, claiming that Tuggar’s lack of engagement had weakened Nigeria’s diplomatic position, especially across Africa.
As of now, neither the Bauchi State Government nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released an official statement on the incident.
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