Tension Erupts: Tinubu’s Minister, Bauchi Deputy Governor In Heated Exchange As Shettima Watches

A tense confrontation reportedly erupted on Saturday between Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.

The clash, which unfolded aboard a Coaster bus transporting dignitaries to a ceremonial event, nearly escalated into a physical altercation before security personnel attached to Vice President Kashim Shettima intervened.

According to sources who spoke with SaharaReporters, the incident occurred during a ride from the airport to the Emir of Bauchi’s palace. The dignitaries were en route to witness the turbaning of former Bauchi State Governor, Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar (SAN), as Makama Babba 1 of the Bauchi Emirate. The event also doubled as the wedding ceremony of the former governor’s daughter and drew high-profile attendees, including Vice President Shettima and Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya.

A source familiar with the matter disclosed that tensions flared when the Deputy Governor accused Minister Tuggar of disrespecting the state’s political leadership — reportedly triggered by a billboard sighted during the journey.

“Tuggar responded by stating that the state doesn’t belong to any individual,” the source revealed. “This remark infuriated the deputy governor, who aggressively moved from the back of the bus toward the minister, threatening to physically assault him.”

However, the minister was seated directly in front of the Vice President, and security operatives quickly intervened to prevent any physical confrontation. Despite the altercation, the entourage maintained decorum upon arrival at the Emir’s palace.

The source added that the deputy governor reignited the verbal confrontation after the palace event, again threatening the minister. In response, Minister Tuggar chose not to return to the Government House with the delegation to avoid further escalation.

Additionally, the source claimed that the governor’s son, Shamsudeen — who was previously detained in the UK — was behind social media posts falsely alleging that the deputy governor had slapped the foreign affairs minister.