There was mild drama at the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi on Friday, when the state’s Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, allegedly slapped the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a heated altercation.
The incident occurred during the turbaning of former Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, as Makama Babba 1 of Bauchi Emirate, which coincided with the wedding of his daughter, Khadija Mohammed.
The high-profile event was attended by top political figures including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, among others.
According to eyewitnesses, the clash ensued after the Foreign Minister reportedly made disparaging comments about the Bala Mohammed-led administration, comments the deputy governor allegedly found offensive.
“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,”
The altercation is believed to be a continuation of the long-standing political rift between Minister Tuggar and Governor Bala Mohammed. Tuggar, a staunch critic of the PDP-led government in the state.
Tuggar and the Deputy Governor’s children have issued statements denying the slapping