Tinubu’s minister opens on alleged fight with Bala Mohammed, says ‘he threatened to slap me and insulted my father in Shettima’s presence’

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

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

..

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 during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored on Thursday, disclosed that while the Vice President, the Governor, and himself were in a bus, Governor Mohammed allegedly insulted his late father and attempted to escalate the situation.

He narrated that he was engaged in a discussion with Vice President Shettima when Governor Mohammed, who had not been part of the conversation, suddenly intervened and began making disparaging remarks about his father.

“He insulted my father, who passed away over 20 years ago, and even threatened to slap me,” Tuggar said. “But I stood up, and he seemed intimidated by my height. How could he even think of raising his hands to do that?”

Tuggar further explained that the Deputy Governor, who was seated behind him in the bus, moved forward during the altercation. However, security personnel from Abuja, along with the Vice President’s presence, prevented the Deputy Governor from getting close to him.

He accused the governor’s son of spreading false reports on social media, claiming Jatau had struck him. “Even the Deputy Governor later admitted the story was false and began pushing a different narrative.”

On speculations that the clash was politically motivated, particularly tied to Tuggar’s rumored ambition to run for Bauchi governor in 2027, the minister neither confirmed nor denied it.

Instead, he said his criticism of the governor stemmed from genuine concern over the state’s governance.

“Everyone can see how farmlands and grazing lands are being taken away from farmers and herders and handed over to companies,” he said. “These companies then take loans under the guise of agriculture.

“But if the goal is development, why hasn’t Bauchi become a leader in grain or livestock production?”

Tuggar and Jatau are both from the Bauchi North Senatorial District, which has yet to produce a state governor since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

..

While Tuggar has not formally declared his candidacy, political observers believe he may contest in the 2027 elections.Instead, he said his criticism of the governor stemmed from genuine concern over the state’s governance.

“Everyone can see how farmlands and grazing lands are being taken away from farmers and herders and handed over to companies,” he said. “These companies then take loans under the guise of agriculture.