Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has opened up on a long-standing strained relationship with the governor of his native Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed.
In an interview with BBC Hausa Service on Thursday, Amb. Tuggar recounted a heated incident during Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent visit to Bauchi State.
Recall that altercation reportedly occurred on April 19 during a bus ride transporting dignitaries from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport to the Emir of Bauchi’s palace for a function.
Among the occupants of the bus were Vice President Shettima, Amb. Tuggar, Governor Mohammed, his deputy, Muhammad Auwal Jatau, and others
During the trip, unconfirmed reports emerged claiming that Bauchi State deputy governor Jatau slapped the minister after Tuggar allegedly made offensive remarks about Governor Mohammed. However, Jatau has since denied the allegations.
Speaking to the BBC Hausa Service, Amb. Tuggar accused Governor Mohammed of initiating the confrontation by interrupting a conversation he was having with the vice president.
The minister further alleged that the governor insulted his late father and threatened to slap him.
“I didn’t see how he could beat or slap me, so I also stood up to stop him,” Tuggar said.
“Then his deputy came from the back of the bus saying he too would slap me, but he couldn’t get close, especially with the vice president right there,” the Minister narrated.
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