Adam Tuggar, son of Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has publicly refuted claims that the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Auwal Jatau, physically assaulted his father during a recent high-profile event in Bauchi.
Taking to his verified Facebook page on Saturday, Adam strongly denounced the circulating rumours, pointing fingers at Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, son of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, for allegedly orchestrating the misinformation.
In an unusually fiery post, Adam Tuggar broke his customary silence on political matters to set the record straight and defend his father’s integrity.
“The recent disgraceful behaviour by the spoiled brat son of the Bauchi State Governor and his online attack dogs has left me no choice but to respond,” Adam wrote.
He lambasted Shamsuddeen for allegedly fueling baseless narratives, labeling him an “educated illiterate” and accusing him of previously launching similar attacks against prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Addressing the alleged physical assault, Adam dismissed the story as laughable. “If your father had truly slapped Ambassador Tuggar, he would have left the scene with a bleeding mouth and nose—assuming, of course, that he could even get close. As for an incapacitated deputy governor like Jatau, it’s out of the question,” he stated.
Adam further accused Shamsuddeen of seeking attention through drama and falsehoods, describing his actions as “immoral” and “irresponsible.”
In a scathing critique of the governor’s lineage, Adam highlighted the longstanding political legacy of the Tuggar family, noting that his father served as a senator during Nigeria’s Second Republic. He then challenged Shamsuddeen to account for his own family’s contributions to Bauchi or the nation at large.
“Where was your grandfather when history was being made in this country? What did he contribute to Bauchi State’s development?” he queried.
Not stopping there, Adam admonished Shamsuddeen to refrain from involving himself in matters beyond his grasp. “Next time, when two elephants are fighting, learn to zip that hole you call a mouth. Otherwise, you’ll continue to squander what little respect you have left in Bauchi’s political scene,” he warned.
He concluded with a stern message directed at Shamsuddeen and his father, urging them to focus on governance and more pressing matters rather than spreading distractions through unfounded tales.
Deputy Governor’s Office Denies Allegation
In a swift response to the claims circulating online, the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Auwal Jatau, through his press secretary, Muslim Lawal, categorically denied any physical confrontation with the Foreign Affairs Minister.
Speaking to journalists in Bauchi, Lawal dismissed the report as entirely baseless and unfounded. “No, no. How can a deputy governor slap a federal minister? I don’t think such an incident happened,” he said. “I know my principal as a responsible leader and the number two citizen of Bauchi State. He would never assault a minister or anyone, for that matter.”
Lawal emphasized that the reports came as a surprise, adding that no evidence had surfaced to support the claim. “If there’s any proof to back this allegation, it should be brought forward. As far as we’re concerned, nothing of the sort took place,” he added.
Background of the Incident
The controversy stems from a tense moment during a recent gathering at the Emir of Bauchi’s palace, where former Governor Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar (SAN) was turbaned as Makama Babba 1 of the Bauchi Emirate. The event also featured the wedding celebration of the former governor’s daughter, attracting several dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
The event, however, was overshadowed by reports of a verbal clash between Deputy Governor Jatau and Minister Tuggar, which, according to sources, nearly turned physical inside a bus transporting officials to the palace. While tempers may have flared, both camps now appear focused on damage control and managing the fallout from the alleged incident.
