Hon Tuggar

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has shared details of a tense and unexpected confrontation with the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, during Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent official visit to the state.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Tuggar described the incident, which occurred aboard a bus transporting dignitaries from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport to the Emir’s palace in Bauchi.

“We were traveling in a vehicle accompanying the Vice President on a visit to Bauchi State. The Vice President spoke to me, and the Governor, who was sitting beside him, interjected in a conversation that didn’t concern him,” Tuggar explained.

“After that, he insulted my late father—my father who has been dead for over twenty years and then went further to threaten to slap me. But I saw that if left alone, there is no way he can have an advantage over me, so I stood up to show him my height.”

The Minister, known for his diplomatic composure, was quick to clarify that the exchange did not become physical. “There was no physical contact between the Governor and I, he merely said he would slap me, but when he realized he couldn’t actually reach me, the matter ended there,” he said.

Tuggar also recounted how Bauchi’s Deputy Governor, Muhammad Auwal Jatau, intervened in the fray. “His deputy came rushing from the back of the bus, saying he too would slap me, but he couldn’t even get close to me, especially since the Vice President was in the same vehicle.”

Dispelling rumours spread online—allegedly by the Governor’s son—that he had been slapped, Tuggar stated, “The Deputy Governor himself later admitted the story wasn’t true and began spreading a different version that he didn’t slap me.”

Responding to claims that the clash was politically motivated due to his potential ambition to contest the 2027 governorship in Bauchi, the Minister stood firm. “Whether I have such an ambition or not, if you look at my history, you’ll see that when it’s time to speak the truth, I do so. What’s happening directly affects my local government and our town, Udubo,” he said.

He pointed to the controversial redistribution of land in the state as a core reason for his disapproval of the current administration. “Everyone can see how farmlands and grazing lands are being taken away from farmers and herders and handed over to companies. These companies then come in under the pretense of engaging in agriculture, taking loans in the process.”

Ambassador Tuggar, who served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany from 2017 to 2023, has long been respected for his versatile diplomatic perspective. During his tenure in Berlin, he played a key role in facilitating bilateral relations, repatriating looted Nigerian artifacts, and engaging in global forums on climate and development.

Emir of Bauchi’s Palace

Now as Foreign Minister, he is spearheading a major revamp of Nigeria’s foreign missions. Since President Bola Tinubu recalled all ambassadors in 2023, Tuggar has been working to restore full diplomatic operations globally. The appointment of new ambassadors and high commissioners is expected soon, signaling a new era for Nigeria’s foreign service.

“We are working hard to get Nigerian embassies functioning effectively again. This is a top priority for President Tinubu, and one that will help reposition Nigeria on the global stage,” Tuggar assured.

From tense exchanges at home to high-level diplomacy abroad, Tuggar’s account reflects the complex intersection of politics, diplomacy, and personal honour, an ongoing reality for Nigeria’s leading statesmen.