Muhammad Auwal Jatau, Bauchi deputy governor, has denied
reports claiming that he slapped Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs,
during a high-profile event in the state.
The alleged incident was said to have taken place on Friday
inside a white coaster bus conveying dignitaries from Sir Abubakar Tafawa
Balewa international airport to the Bauchi emir’s palace.
The dignitaries were en route to the turbaning of Mohammed
Abubakar, a former governor of the state.
According to unverified reports, an argument broke out after
the minister allegedly made disparaging comments about Bala Mohammed, Bauchi
state governor.
Jatau was said to have slapped the minister in reaction,
reportedly in the presence of Vice-President Kashim Shettima and other
prominent figures.
But Muslim Lawal, spokesperson to the deputy governor,
described the claim as “false and baseless”.
“No, no, no, how can the deputy governor slap the minister?
I don’t think that ever happened in Bauchi because I know my principal is a
responsible person,” he said.
“The number two person cannot slap a minister or whoever
person that people are talking about. We are not even aware of that. I am just
hearing this from you.”
Lawal questioned the credibility of the viral report and
called on anyone with evidence to present it.
“Did you see the evidence of the slap? I didn’t see it, I’m
just hearing about that from you,” he said.
“But my belief is that there is no way the deputy governor
will slap a minister. I don’t think such can ever happen in Bauchi, not even my
principal or whoever is in his position.”
He said there was no reasonable provocation for such an act.
“What is even the issue that will make the deputy governor
slap a minister?” he asked.
“I was not in the car and if there is any evidence that the
deputy governor did such, maybe we can speak on that, but as of now, I don’t
even know about it. That’s our position.
“And I don’t even think that the deputy governor, even if it
is not in the presence of the vice-president, can do that.”
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