Adams Oshiomhole, the senator representing Edo North, has publicly challenged Reuben Abati—former presidential spokesperson and co-host of Arise Television’s breakfast show—to a physical confrontation following what Oshiomhole described as “mischievous” questioning during a recent television segment.
In an interview during the Politics Today programme on Channels Television, Oshiomhole expressed his astonishment at Abati’s line of questioning directed at Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past governor of Delta State. Oshiomhole took issue with Abati’s provocative query: “Did you get permission from Oshiomhole that your sins will now be forgiven before you decided to decamp to APC?”
“This line of questioning was not only inappropriate but also indicative of a deeper misunderstanding of my status,” Oshiomhole stated, asserting that as a legislator, he is not responsible for the political decisions of others. “How can you ask that? I am in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for the prosecution of anyone wrong in any way?” he questioned.
Oshiomhole did not hold back in addressing Abati’s past, highlighting the time Abati was invited for questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after serving as spokesperson for former President Goodluck Jonathan. “The man who made that statement was at a time invited by the EFCC after he was Jonathan’s spokesman, shamelessly. Was I the one who granted him bail to leave PDP to go where he is?” Oshiomhole remarked.
Additionally, Oshiomhole criticized Abati’s comments on Labour Day, where he felt the senior journalist neglected to acknowledge his significant contributions to labor movements. “Even on Labour Day, he was saying some labour leaders who had been involved in picketing and fought for workers; he could not even credit me with the fact that I led the protest,” Oshiomhole said, referring to Abati’s previous praise of him, calling him “Oshiomhole the people’s president” during his tenure as the head of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Frustrated by what he perceives as a pattern of disrespect, Oshiomhole asserted that if Abati wished to continue with his criticisms, it would be more honorable to confront him face-to-face. “If you want to abuse me, don’t hide behind the TV; let’s meet in the street and fight it out,” Oshiomhole challenged, suggesting that personal grievances should be addressed directly rather than through media commentary.