Bauchi deputy governor, minister clash during turbaning ceremony

Bauchi deputy governor, minister clash during turbaning ceremony

There was mild drama in Bauchi State yesterday as the Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, and the 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 State Governor Inuwa Yahaya.

Sources revealed that tension 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 Vice President Kashim Shettima who stepped in and calmed things down.

READ ALSO:

• Rescue operations continue in Lagos building collapse, five dead
• Ekiti College of Nursing, parents at war over increase in hostel fee
• Ilesa varsity student electrocuted while pressing phone

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

One of the posts in Hausa reads: “Yau deputy govna ya jadada loyaltyn sa wa Baba Kaura, meaning 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.

Meanwhile, Jatau’s media aide, Muslim Lawal, has denied that any altercation happened, 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 produce 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.

When contacted, the minister’s media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, declined comment on the incident, saying that he was not authorised to speak on the matter.

Bauchi deputy governor, minister clash during turbaning ceremony