Bauchi Deputy Governor Allegedly Slaps Minister Tuggar Over Tinubu’s Tax Policy
A heated argument over President Bola Tinubu’s controversial tax reforms reportedly turned physical on Friday, with Bauchi State Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau allegedly slapping Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
The incident reportedly happened inside a bus conveying high-ranking government officials from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport to Bauchi city.
Multiple sources familiar with the matter said tensions between Governor Bala Mohammed and Minister Tuggar have been building for months, largely due to disagreements over the impact of Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills on the North.
“It started with Deputy Governor questioning Tuggar on why he’s supporting a policy that’s clearly hurting our people,” said one passenger on the bus, who asked not to be named. “Voices were raised, then the deputy governor jumped in. Before we knew it, there was a slap.”
Another official present in the vehicle said, “The Vice President had to step in. It could’ve gotten worse. Everyone was shocked.”
Sources added that the atmosphere had been tense even before the journey began, as Governor Mohammed has consistently voiced strong opposition to the tax policies, which he argues disproportionately affect northern states.
A top aide to Minister Tuggar confirmed that there was an argument but would not confirm the slap: “There was a disagreement, yes, but I can’t say anything about a slap. That’s all I can say for now.”
When contacted, Muktar Gidado, spokesperson for the Bauchi State governor, said: “I wasn’t there, and I haven’t been officially briefed, so I can’t comment.”
The relationship between Governor Mohammed and Ambassador Tuggar has reportedly deteriorated in recent months.
In February, Tuggar was notably absent at the commissioning of a federal project in his hometown of Udubo—a move sources said was intended to avoid appearing alongside the governor.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Bauchi State Government nor the Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued an official statement on the alleged incident.
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