Deputy Governor Slaps Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, at Emir’s Palace in Bauchi
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Northern Bureau Chief
April 20, 2025
Bauchi, Nigeria — In a shocking turn of events that has set tongues wagging across Nigeria’s political landscape, the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Hon. Auwal Jatau, allegedly slapped Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a high-profile event at the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi.
The incident occurred on Friday during the turbaning ceremony of former Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, who was conferred with the prestigious title of Makama Babba I of the Bauchi Emirate. The elaborate event, which doubled as the wedding ceremony of the former governor’s daughter, Khadija Mohammed, attracted a host of political dignitaries, royal fathers, business tycoons, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Among those present were Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, as well as traditional rulers and political figures from across the country. But what was meant to be a celebration of heritage and unity quickly descended into an embarrassing spectacle that stunned guests and left security operatives scrambling.
Eyewitnesses told Daily Sentinel that the Foreign Affairs Minister, known for his outspoken views, made a comment during a private conversation that was perceived by Deputy Governor Jatau as a direct slight on Governor Bala Mohammed and the Bauchi State administration.
“Hon. Jatau was standing nearby when the minister made a snide remark about ‘Bauchi being led by people who can’t even manage a local council, let alone a state,’” one attendee recounted. “There was tension immediately. The deputy governor asked him to retract the statement. When he refused and reportedly said, ‘Tell your boss the truth for once,’ Jatau lost it.”
According to multiple sources, the deputy governor raised his voice before landing a slap on the minister’s cheek. The physical assault stunned those nearby, with several guests gasping audibly. Vice President Shettima reportedly moved in swiftly to de-escalate the situation, pulling both men aside to prevent further escalation.
While the incident has not yet been officially acknowledged by either party, political analysts believe it is the culmination of simmering tensions between Minister Tuggar and the Bauchi State leadership. Tuggar, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has long been at loggerheads with Governor Bala Mohammed of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The rivalry became more pronounced after Tuggar was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2023, and has since been vocal in his criticism of the PDP government in Bauchi, often accusing it of corruption, mismanagement, and hidden political agendas.
In January, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Tuggar accused Governor Mohammed of exploiting President Tinubu’s economic reforms for his own presidential ambition. He labeled the governor’s stance on tax reform “opportunistic” and accused him of trying to hijack national discourse for personal political gain.
The Governor’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Aminu Gamawa, fired back at the time, calling Tuggar a “diplomatic liability” and accusing him of sabotaging Nigeria’s image abroad with his erratic conduct and lack of engagement with African partners.
The Friday incident has sparked outrage and concern among political observers and citizens alike, with many calling for disciplinary action and an official inquiry. Civil society groups and legal experts have urged both the Presidency and the PDP leadership to investigate the incident and ensure accountability.
Dr. Hajara Yunusa, a lecturer in Political Science at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, said the altercation “sets a dangerous precedent.”
“If two senior government officials can behave like this at a traditional and national event, what message are we sending to young Nigerians about decorum and governance?” she said.
While both the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bauchi State Government remained tight-lipped as of press time, sources suggest there has been intense pressure behind the scenes to downplay the incident. A special delegation from the Emirate Council is said to have met with both parties in an attempt to broker peace and avoid further embarrassment.
Meanwhile, the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu, is reported to be “deeply displeased” by the incident, viewing it as a disruption to the sanctity of the palace and a dishonor to the Emirate’s legacy of diplomacy and decorum.
