‘Was I The One Who Engineered The Coup?’ – Bauchi Gov, Foreign Affairs Minister Clash

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, have exchanged accusations over their performance in office, with both officials criticizing each other’s effectiveness in fulfilling their duties.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Governor Mohammed accused Tuggar of mishandling Nigeria’s diplomatic affairs, particularly in relation to the federal government’s response to military coups in neighboring countries and delays in appointing ambassadors.

“It’s disappointing that the minister is our son,” Mohammed said, advising Tuggar to focus on correcting his perceived lapses before critiquing others.

The governor also expressed dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration, especially regarding ongoing tax reform bills in the National Assembly.

In a swift rebuttal in an interview with BBC Hausa, Tuggar accused Governor Mohammed of mismanaging Bauchi State funds, alleging that the governor allocated plots of land to friends, allies, and family members.

“Bauchi State received over ₦8.8 billion in October and ₦9 billion in November, but there is nothing to show for it,” Tuggar claimed, further criticizing Mohammed’s land allocation initiative.

The minister also dismissed the governor’s criticism of his handling of military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, pointing out that these events occurred before his tenure as minister and before Tinubu’s presidency.

“How could you then buck the blame on me? Was I the one who engineered the coup?” Tuggar asked.

Governor Mohammed denied allegations of mismanagement, asserting that his administration’s projects are tangible and trackable.

He suggested Tuggar’s accusations were a deflection to shield the federal government from criticism of its handling of national issues.

Bala added, “Perhaps he is doing it to provide shield to his principal because we have picked holes in his handling of the country’s affairs and pointed out what should be corrected. His accusations stem from this.”

The clash comes amid speculations about Tuggar’s potential governorship bid in Bauchi State in 2027.

Speaking through his foundation’s Director General, Bello Mohammed Tukura, Tuggar hinted at his readiness to contest, depending on his political camp’s ability to mobilize support.

“If you are ready, I am very much ready,” Tuggar reportedly told his coordinators across Bauchi’s 20 local government areas, emphasizing the need for a strong base.