The conflict between Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and his deputy, Muhammad Auwal Jatau, has been clarified by Yusuf Tuggar, the minister of foreign affairs.
The minister was one of the dignitaries who travelled to Bauchi with Vice-President Kashim Shettima on April 19.
In a bus carrying dignitaries from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport to the emir of Bauchi’s palace, Jatau allegedly slapped Tuggar hours later, according to sources.
According to the reports, the slap happened after the minister insulted the governor.
The allegations were, however, refuted by the Deputy Governor.
The Minister provided additional details on the misunderstanding that resulted in a confrontation in an interview with BBC Hausa.
According to him, the conflict actually began with the Governor himself, while they were on a bus with the Vice President on the latter’s visit to the state, despite some reports that he had a falling out with the Deputy Governor.
He narrated, “We were travelling in a vehicle accompanying the Vice President on a visit to Bauchi State. The Vice President spoke to me, and the Governor, who was sitting beside him, interjected in a conversation that didn’t concern him.
“After that, he insulted my late father, my father who has been dead for over twenty years, and then went further to threaten to slap me. But I saw that if left alone, there is no way he can have an advantage over me, so I stood up to show him my height.
“After that, his deputy came rushing from the back of the bus, saying he too would slap me, but he couldn’t even get close to me, especially since the Vice President was in the same vehicle.”
He stated that the security personnel present were not from Bauchi but had been brought in from Abuja.
Tuggar further said, “There was no physical contact between the Governor and 1, he merely said he would slap me, but when he realised he couldn’t actually reach me, the matter ended there. However, the Governor’s son, who is trying to meddle in politics, went online spreading the story that Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau slapped me.”
“The Deputy Governor himself later admitted the story wasn’t true and began spreading a different version that he didn’t slap me.”
Regarding suggestions that the rift between the Minister and the Governor stemmed from Tuggar’s alleged ambition to run for Governor of Bauchi in the future, he responded, “Whether I have such an ambition or not, if you look at my history, you’ll see that when it’s time to speak the truth, I do so. What’s happening directly affects my local government and our town, Udubo.”
Ambassador Tuggar attributed the rift to differences over how the Bauchi State government is being run.
He said, “Everyone can see how farmlands and grazing lands are being taken away from farmers and herders and handed over to companies. These companies then come in under the pretence of engaging in agriculture, taking loans in the process.
“This is disheartening, because when farmlands or grazing areas are seized from people, some end up being pushed into criminal activities.”
“Then why hasn’t Bauchi State become a leader in grain production or cattle rearing?” he asked, if these measures were really intended to promote the state as stated. Rather, things appear to be reversing course.
Since Nigeria’s restoration to democracy in 1999, the Bauchi North Senatorial District, where Tuggar and Jatau are both from, has not produced a state governor.
Despite not having openly announced his plan to run for governor in 2027, Tuggar appears to be considering the role.
