Drama as Minister, Bauchi Deputy Governor Spat at Turbaning Ceremony

What was meant to be a colorful and peaceful cultural celebration turned into a scene of political drama on Saturday, as a federal minister and the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State clashed openly during a turbaning ceremony in the state capital.
The incident occurred at the palace of a prominent traditional ruler where dignitaries from across the country had gathered to witness the conferment of a chieftaincy title on a notable son of the state. However, the event took an unexpected turn when the Deputy Governor arrived and was reportedly displeased with the seating arrangements.
According to eyewitnesses, the Deputy Governor expressed dissatisfaction after being directed to a seat he considered beneath his office. Tensions heightened shortly after the arrival of the federal minister, who was ushered to a more prominent position at the venue.
What began as murmurs quickly escalated into a verbal altercation between the two political figures, causing a temporary halt in the ceremony.
Efforts by protocol officers and traditional council members to calm the situation were only partially successful, as the heated exchange drew the attention of guests and disrupted the atmosphere of the event.
A source close to the palace, who preferred not to be named, said, “This was supposed to be a unifying occasion. Unfortunately, it turned into a power tussle. Many were shocked by the behavior of both leaders.”
As of press time, neither the Minister nor the Deputy Governor has issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, sources within both camps hinted at longstanding political tensions and protocol-related grievances.
In response to the commotion, traditional leaders have called for decorum and mutual respect among political officeholders, emphasizing the importance of preserving the dignity of cultural events.
The ceremony eventually resumed after a brief interruption, but the incident has sparked public debate over political conduct at traditional and public functions.