An intense verbal altercation reportedly erupted on Saturday between Bauchi State’s Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, during a ceremonial visit to the Emir of Bauchi’s palace.
According to credible sources, the confrontation occurred inside a Coaster bus that was ferrying top government officials and dignitaries from the Bauchi airport to the Emir’s palace for the turbaning of former Governor Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar (SAN), who was being honoured with the traditional title of Makama Babba 1 of the Bauchi Emirate. The event also coincided with the wedding ceremony of Abubakar’s daughter.
The bus ride, which was intended to be a routine part of the day’s activities, quickly turned tense when a heated exchange broke out between Deputy Governor Jatau and Minister Tuggar. Eyewitnesses reported that the situation nearly escalated into a physical confrontation but was defused by security operatives attached to Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was seated nearby.
A source privy to the incident told SaharaReporters that the quarrel was triggered after the Deputy Governor allegedly confronted Tuggar, accusing him of disrespecting the political leadership of Bauchi State. The altercation reportedly began after a billboard associated with Tuggar was spotted during the journey.
“The Deputy Governor challenged Tuggar, saying he would be dealt with for his lack of respect towards the state’s political hierarchy,” the source explained. “In response, Tuggar firmly stated that Bauchi is not the personal property of any individual.”
According to the source, the confrontation intensified as Jatau, seated at the rear of the bus, attempted to physically approach the minister. However, his path was blocked by Vice President Shettima’s security personnel, as Tuggar was sitting in close proximity to the VP.
What followed was a loud and uncomfortable shouting match in the presence of other dignitaries, including Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya. The commotion subsided once the delegation arrived at the palace, where all parties momentarily regained composure.
However, tensions reportedly flared again shortly after the palace visit. The Deputy Governor allegedly renewed his threats against the minister, prompting Tuggar to opt out of the official convoy returning to the Government House, in a bid to avoid a possible physical confrontation.
In a related development, the source also claimed that Shamsudeen, the son of the Bauchi State Governor who was previously detained in the United Kingdom was behind the online reports falsely alleging that the Deputy Governor had slapped the Foreign Affairs Minister.
The incident, which has since sparked widespread discussion, underscores growing tensions within the state’s political leadership and has left observers questioning the decorum and unity among top officials.
