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.”

….says don’t allow politics to divide you
..Gov Yusuf Thanks Shettima for condolences

Vice President Kashim Shettima has appealed for peace in Kano and urged the burial of political differences.

Shettima made the call while paying a condolence visit to the family of the Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, who died two weeks ago.

This was contained in a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kano State Governor, Mustapha Muhammad, on Saturday.

“Please, please, I plead with you not to allow politics to divide you. You should be united,” Vice President Kashim Shettima stated at the deceased’s residence.

“Kano is the heart of the North, and I am from the North,” he added, praying, “May Allah bring unity among us.”

In his welcome address, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, thanked the Vice President on behalf of the government and the people of Kano State for the visit.

“We thank you so much for coming to commiserate with us over the death of our father and grandfather. We pray for Almighty Allah to take you back home safely,” Governor Yusuf was quoted as saying.

A family representative of the late Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Sunusi Abbas, expressed gratitude to the Vice President for the condolence visit and prayed for unity among Kano’s political leaders.

“We keep praying — may the demise of the Galadiman Kano become an avenue for unity among the political leaders in Kano.”

“We saw every representative of the political parties. We are grateful to the Governor, who was here at the funeral and came back to condole us again. Now, he is here with the Vice President — we are grateful.”