The Bauchi State Government has dismissed Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar’s criticism of Governor Bala Mohammed, calling it a desperate attempt to stay politically relevant.

Tuggar’s recent remarks about the Governor’s stance on the Federal Government’s tax reform policy prompted the response. In a statement released on Wednesday, Dr. Aminu Gamawa, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, described Tuggar’s comments as opportunistic and disconnected from the realities of governance.

“Tuggar’s attack on Governor Bala Mohammed is merely an effort to stay politically relevant by targeting a leader whose agricultural policies have turned Bauchi State into an economic hub,” Gamawa said.

The statement highlighted the Governor’s achievements, including the Kaura Economic Empowerment Programme, which has created thousands of jobs in sectors like fish farming, animal husbandry, and cash crop production.

“Tuggar, a son of Bauchi, seems unaware of these developments. Had he spent more time in his home state rather than traveling across foreign capitals, he would have witnessed firsthand the transformation Bala Mohammed has brought to Bauchi,” the statement continued.

The Bauchi government also criticized Tuggar’s tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister, alleging that his poor leadership had weakened Nigeria’s diplomatic influence.

“Under Tuggar’s management, ECOWAS, once a united and strong sub-regional body, is now in disarray. His misguided advice to President Tinubu regarding the Sahel crises has led to the withdrawal of key member states like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger,” the statement read.

The government further accused Tuggar of aligning Nigeria with French neocolonial interests, undermining the country’s traditional Afrocentric foreign policy, which they called a “betrayal of Nigeria’s diplomatic heritage.”

The statement suggested that Tuggar’s attacks on Governor Mohammed were politically motivated, hinting at his potential ambition to run for Bauchi’s governorship in 2027.

“Tuggar’s criticisms of Governor Mohammed are clearly aimed at his 2027 governorship aspirations. However, this strategy of undermining the Governor will fail. The people of Bauchi recognize Bala Mohammed’s transformative leadership and will not be swayed by the empty rhetoric of an absentee politician,” it concluded.

Gamawa urged Tuggar to focus on his ministerial duties rather than engage in political distractions.