Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Auwal Jatau, has categorically denied reports making the rounds on social media and other platforms alleging that he slapped the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a state event on Friday.
The alleged altercation was said to have taken place in a white coaster bus transporting dignitaries from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport to the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi for the turbaning ceremony of former Governor Mohammed Abubakar.
According to the widely circulated but unverified claims, an argument erupted after Minister Tuggar allegedly made disparaging remarks about Governor Bala Mohammed.
This, the reports suggested, provoked a heated response from Jatau, who supposedly slapped the minister in full view of Vice President Kashim Shettima and other top officials.
In response to these claims, Jatau’s media aide, Muslim Lawal, dismissed the story as entirely false and unfounded.
“No, no, no, how can the deputy Governor slap the Minister? I don’t think that ever happened in Bauchi because I know my principal is a responsible person,” Lawal said.
“The number two person cannot slap a Minister or whoever person that people are talking about. We are not even aware of that. I am just hearing this from you.”
He went on to challenge the authenticity of the reports and questioned the absence of concrete proof.
“Did you see the evidence of the slap? I didn’t see it, I’m just hearing about that from you. But my belief is that there is no way the deputy Governor will slap a Minister. I don’t think such can ever happen in Bauchi, not even my principal or whoever is in his position.”
“What is even the issue that will make the deputy Governor slap a Minister? I was not in the car and if there is any evidence that the Deputy Governor did such, maybe we can speak on that, but as of now, I don’t even know about it. That’s our position. And I don’t even think that the Deputy Governor, even if it is not in the presence of the Vice President can do that,” Lawal added.
Meanwhile, the Governor’s son, Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed, appeared to fuel the controversy by reposting several Facebook posts celebrating Jatau’s alleged actions.
One of the reposted messages from Daure David read: “The First Deputy Governor to slap a Minister in Bauchi. Mr. Taka kasha mari. #Boris.”
Another post he shared said: “Breaking News: Tension in Bauchi as Deputy Governor reportedly slaps Minister of Foreign Affairs.”
He also reposted a Hausa-language comment that stated: “Yau deputy govna ya jadada loyaltyn sa wa baba Kaura,” which translates to, “Today, the Deputy Governor reaffirmed his loyalty to Baba Kaura (Governor Bala Mohammed).”
Another said: “Idan zai zagi Kaura sau Goma, Jatau zai masa mari sau goma kyawawa..!” Meaning, “If he will abuse or insult Kaura 10 times, Jatau will give him 10 hot slaps.”
The controversy appears rooted in a long-standing political rivalry between Governor Mohammed and Minister Tuggar.
Their strained relationship reportedly intensified following the Governor’s open criticism of the Tinubu administration in the aftermath of the #EndBadGovernanceProtest in 2023.
Tuggar, known for his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and rumored ambitions to contest the Bauchi governorship in 2027, has previously accused Governor Mohammed of incompetence and political showmanship.
As of now, no independent evidence has emerged to substantiate the claim of physical assault.