In the wake of growing controversy and conflicting reports surrounding a heated exchange between Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, new accounts are emerging that challenge the narrative presented by some of the Governor’s supporters.
According to a credible source who was present at the meeting and spoke on the condition of anonymity, the claims that Minister Tuggar was physically assaulted are “entirely fabricated and implausible.” The source, who was in the room during the confrontation, explained, “You know that’s not true. The Minister is an athlete and is in great physical shape. If it came to a fight, it’s impossible for him to be slapped without responding. So it’s totally untrue and impossible. This is just the work of those loyal to the government who are trying to spread false information.”
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Eyewitness accounts suggest that tensions began when members of Governor Bala Mohammed’s entourage allegedly made snide remarks directed at Foreign Minister Tuggar. However, things reportedly escalated further when Governor Mohammed allegedly insulted Tuggar’s father, who is a highly respected elder statesman of both the First and Second Republics.
This apparent provocation reportedly led Minister Tuggar to directly confront the Governor. According to the witness, Tuggar challenged the Governor to repeat the insult and made it clear that such disrespect toward his family would not go unchallenged. The confrontation caused the Governor to retreat, at which point the Deputy Governor attempted to intervene. However, Tuggar reportedly warned the Deputy Governor off, signaling that the matter did not concern him.
Contrary to reports that have circulated among supporters of Governor Mohammed, there was no physical altercation between Tuggar and the Governor, and claims that the Minister was humiliated or assaulted are categorically false. In fact, the incident took place in the presence of Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, who, recognizing the rising tension, asked former Governor Adamu Mu’azu to step in and calm things down.
The spread of misinformation has sparked outrage, with many observers seeing it as a deliberate effort to discredit Minister Tuggar, a diplomat known for his calm demeanor and dedication to national service.
Political analysts suggest that the ongoing Tuggar and Bala Mohammed dispute reflects growing unease within certain political circles over Tuggar’s rising profile and influence.
As more facts come to light, the incident highlights the complex dynamics of Nigerian politics and the importance of verifying information before accepting it as truth.
