Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has publicly challenged Arise TV anchor and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, to a street fight over what he termed “disrespectful” and “mischievous” comments made on live television.
Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired Tuesday, Oshiomhole reacted to a segment on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, where Abati appeared to mock former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In the episode, Abati sarcastically asked whether Okowa had obtained Oshiomhole’s “permission” before being “forgiven” and switching parties.
“I was particularly shocked that a senior editor could ask the immediate past governor of Delta State, Okowa… ‘Did you get permission from Oshiomhole that your sins will now be forgiven before you decided to decamp to APC?’” Oshiomhole said.
While he avoided naming Abati directly, his comments and references left no doubt as to the target of his criticism.
Oshiomhole, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and ex-governor of Edo State, questioned the relevance of his position in the legislature to issues of political defection or legal prosecution.
“Is the legislature responsible for the prosecution of anyone wrong in any way?” he asked rhetorically.
The senator also accused Abati of holding a personal grudge, pointing to the journalist’s past encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his tenure as presidential spokesperson to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“The man who made that statement was at a time invited by the EFCC after he was Jonathan’s spokesman… Was I the one who granted him bail to leave PDP to go where he is?” he stated.
He further took issue with Abati’s alleged refusal to acknowledge his contributions to Nigeria’s labour movement, especially during May Day celebrations.
“Even on Labour Day, he couldn’t credit me with leading protests as president of the NLC. This is a man who once wrote ‘Oshiomhole, the people’s president,’” he said.
Taking a personal swipe, Oshiomhole referenced Abati’s failed political bid in Ogun State, saying, “If you are angry because you wanted to be a deputy governor and lost the election in Ogun State, is that why you are paranoid and always looking for a chance to insult me?”
“If you want to abuse me, don’t hide behind the TV; let’s meet in the street and fight it out,” he concluded.
What you should know
Senator Adams Oshiomhole lashed out at Arise TV anchor Dr. Reuben Abati over remarks made during a broadcast, calling them disrespectful and politically motivated.
Oshiomhole accused Abati of harbouring resentment from a failed political career and challenged him to settle their differences in a street fight.
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