Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has publicly challenged Arise TV anchor and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, to a physical confrontation, following what he described as “disrespectful and mischievous” comments aired on television.
The fiery exchange was triggered by remarks Abati made during a recent episode of The Morning Show on Arise TV, in which he questioned former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, about his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), implying that Okowa needed Oshiomhole’s approval to be accepted into the party.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Oshiomhole expressed outrage at the insinuation, stating:
“I was particularly shocked that a senior editor could ask… ‘Did you get permission from Oshiomhole that your sins will now be forgiven before you decided to decamp to APC?’”
Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and ex-president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, questioned the logic of the statement, saying his legislative role does not grant him prosecutorial powers or decision-making authority over party defection matters.
Without directly naming Abati, Oshiomhole referenced the journalist’s past, including his 2016 arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his tenure as spokesperson to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
“The man who made that statement was invited by the EFCC after serving as Jonathan’s spokesman… Was I the one who granted him bail to leave the PDP to go where he is?” Oshiomhole added.
The senator also accused Abati of ignoring his contributions to Nigeria’s labour movement, particularly his role in organising protests as NLC president.
“Even on Labour Day, he couldn’t credit me for leading the protest. This is the same man who once wrote ‘Oshiomhole the people’s president,’ but now takes every opportunity to ridicule me,” he said.
In a dramatic conclusion, Oshiomhole challenged Abati to take their feud beyond the screen.
“If you want to abuse me, don’t hide behind the TV; let’s meet in the street and fight it out,” he declared.
Abati, who served as the running mate to the late Buruji Kashamu in the 2019 Ogun State gubernatorial election under the Peoples Democratic Party, has yet to respond to the challenge at the time of this report.
