The deputy governor of Bauchi State, Auwal Jatau, has denied viral social media reports alleging that he slapped the minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.

The social media reports had claimed that the incident occurred after a heated confrontation between Mr Tuggar and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed during the turbaning ceremony of the former governor of the state, M.A Abubakar, at the Emir’s Palace on Saturday.

The online report alleged that Mr Jatau got infuriated by purported comments against his principal by the minister—who is believed to be eyeing the governorship seat in 2027.

The report claims it took the intervention of the Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was present at the event, and former governor of the State Adamu Muazu to control the situation.

But reacting through his media aide, Muslim Lawal, Mr Jatau described the report as fake.

He said, “No, no, how can a deputy governor slap a minister? I don’t think such ever can happen in Bauchi because l know my principal as a responsible leader and number two citizen in Bauchi can never slap a minister or any person.

“I am not aware about that and I am hearing it for the first time. If there is any evidence that the deputy governor did that you can speak on that. We don’t know about it. The deputy governor cannot do that and that is our position.”