Deputy Governor of Bauchi Denies Slapping Foreign Affairs Minister, Calls Claims Baseless

The Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Auwal Jatau, has firmly denied swirling social media allegations that he physically assaulted Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, during a recent public ceremony. The rumour, which gained traction online following a high-profile event at the Emir of Bauchi’s palace, has now been branded as false and unfounded by the deputy governor’s office.

Speaking to journalists in Bauchi, the Deputy Governor’s Press Secretary, Muslim Lawal, categorically dismissed the reports, describing them as sensationalist and lacking any factual basis. According to Lawal, such a confrontation is not only implausible but also completely out of character for Jatau, whom he described as a “responsible and composed leader.”

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In his statement, Lawal questioned the credibility of the reports, urging the public to treat the claims with skepticism. “No, how can a deputy governor slap a minister? I don’t think such a thing could ever happen in Bauchi. I know my principal as a responsible leader. The number two citizen in Bauchi can never slap a minister or any other person,” he stated.

Lawal also emphasized that no credible eyewitnesses or evidence had emerged to support the accusation, and that the deputy governor himself was shocked by the circulating reports.

The alleged incident was said to have occurred at the Emir of Bauchi’s palace during the turbaning ceremony of former state governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, who was honoured with the title of Makama Babba 1 of Bauchi Emirate. The event was attended by several high-ranking political figures, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from across the state and beyond.

Viral Rumour Sparks Political Drama

The rumour of a physical altercation between Jatau and Minister Tuggar quickly spread across social media platforms, with multiple unverified accounts fueling speculation. Though no video evidence or official witness statements have surfaced, the alleged slap became a trending topic, prompting heated reactions from political supporters and the general public.

Analysts believe the incident may have been exaggerated—or even fabricated—by political opponents or mischief-makers seeking to stoke tension between rival camps within the Bauchi political landscape.

Such controversies are not uncommon in Nigeria’s vibrant political scene, where rivalries often spill into the public domain and social media plays a central role in shaping public opinion. However, officials are urging restraint and emphasizing the importance of verifying information before drawing conclusions.

Tuggar’s Camp Yet to Issue Statement

As of the time of writing, neither the Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has issued an official response regarding the alleged altercation. The minister, who hails from Bauchi State and has held several key diplomatic and political positions, has remained silent on the matter, choosing not to fan the flames of what his associates are reportedly calling a “politically motivated distraction.”

According to sources close to the minister, Tuggar views the reports as “beneath the dignity of public office” and is focused on Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities rather than personal disputes.

This silence from the minister’s camp has further fueled speculation, with critics suggesting that a direct rebuttal might have helped clarify matters more swiftly. However, others argue that dignified silence can be a more strategic response in politically charged environments.

A Call for Responsible Reporting

In light of the widespread misinformation, the deputy governor’s press office is urging media outlets and social media users to exercise responsibility when sharing sensitive political content. They stressed the potential damage such rumours can cause to public figures’ reputations and the overall political climate in the state.

“Let’s focus on building peace, unity, and development in Bauchi State rather than amplifying baseless claims. This is a time for maturity and responsible communication, not propaganda,” Muslim Lawal added during his media briefing.

Political observers agree that the issue, while likely a fabrication, has once again exposed the need for improved digital literacy and media ethics in Nigeria, where viral stories—true or false—can dominate the narrative in a matter of hours.

As the dust settles, many in Bauchi are hoping that the controversy will not derail ongoing efforts toward political harmony in the state. The focus, they insist, should remain on governance, development, and public service, not petty rivalries or fictional scandals.