Coalition demands thorough investigation into alleged harassment of Foreign Affairs Minister

A Bauchi-based political pressure group, the APC Young Leaders Coalition, has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged harassment of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during the Vice President’s visit to Bauchi State last Friday.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, had led a Federal Government delegation to Bauchi for the turbaning ceremony of former Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar (SAN) as the First Makama Babba in the Bauchi Emirate Council hierarchy. Tuggar was reportedly part of the Vice President’s entourage.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Musa G. Khalid, the coalition expressed concern over what it described as “an unbecoming act” by a top official of the Bauchi State Government, allegedly targeting the Minister under the guise of retaliating against his principal, Governor Bala Mohammed, with whom there was an exchange of words.

“For a Bauchi State Government official to harass a Minister is the worst act that could happen in the political history of the state,” the statement read.

The coalition described the alleged incident as unacceptable and called for a swift investigation to determine the facts behind the confrontation.

“Brigandage or animalistic behaviour of this sort definitely needs to be investigated to determine the clue to which act was perpetrated, with a view to finding a solution or ways and means to forestall such unbecoming acts in the future,” the group said.

It added that the incident “reflects poorly on governance and democratic norms and values—not only of the APC or PDP—but has negative consequences on the electorate and the generality of the people as well.”

“To this end, there is a need for political parties and critical stakeholders to hold a roundtable and thoroughly discuss issues of such magnitude ahead of the forthcoming electioneering campaigns. Otherwise, politicking in Bauchi State stands to be bleak,” the coalition warned.

The group proposed that such discussions should culminate in “a mutual and unreserved apology to the Ministry while charting a way forward for politicking without bitterness.”

The coalition also raised concerns about the alleged “negative attitudes” of PDP officials, whom they claimed instigated the fracas that led to the harassment at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi.

“It is glaringly clear from the report of the incident that a top official of the Bauchi State Government recalcitrantly physically harassed the Minister in the presence of the Vice President, who is also very bitter about the act perpetrated at the scene,” the group alleged.

According to them, “The Vice President was even said to have warned the Bauchi Government official against the crude act, which the PDP at both the state and national levels should take appropriate measures against—if not punish him.”

They further warned that unless the PDP took stern disciplinary measures against its officials, “the scenario could possibly escalate to something entirely different and unpredictable.”

Describing the alleged conduct as “rude,” the group lamented that such an incident happened between two long-time friends—Amb. Tuggar and Governor Bala Mohammed.

“If our politicians at home chart the path of rudeness or bitterness in the game of politics at their doorsteps, what if they find themselves elsewhere in a political expedition? Could they take to the battle of outwitting one another?” the group queried.

“Let this ugly scenario in our game of politics be nipped in the bud, and let’s chart a way forward for the rapid overall progress and development of our dear state,” the statement added.

The coalition warned the Bauchi State Government and its officials to desist from any actions that may undermine the dignity and respect of APC members and stakeholders, cautioning that such conduct could lead to unnecessary escalation.

“We, the APC family in Bauchi State, are peace-loving and law-abiding. However, we will not tolerate unnecessary provocation, and we cannot be deterred by threats or intimidation. We strongly condemn the recent incident and do not wish for its recurrence,” it stated.

Finally, the group urged the Bauchi State Government to “focus on addressing their issues with the EFCC and allegations of financial misappropriation, and to desist from targeting our party.”

It concluded that any attempt by PDP agents to malign or attack the reputation of any APC chieftain will not be tolerated.

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