Oshiomhole Reacts to Abati’s “Disrespectful” TV Comment
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has openly challenged veteran journalist and Arise TV anchor Dr. Reuben Abati to a street fight. The former Edo governor issued the daring challenge on Channels Television’s Politics Today while responding to comments Abati made during a recent broadcast of The Morning Show on Arise TV.
Abati had mocked former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), asking if he needed Oshiomhole’s approval before being “forgiven.” The jab didn’t sit well with the senator.
Oshiomhole Questions Abati’s Professional Conduct
Visibly irritated, Oshiomhole said, “I was particularly shocked that a senior editor could ask the immediate past governor of Delta State, Okowa, mischievously, ‘Did you get permission from Oshiomhole that your sins will now be forgiven before you decided to decamp to APC?’”
Although Oshiomhole didn’t mention Abati by name, his remarks clearly referred to the seasoned broadcaster. He questioned Abati’s intent and wondered why his legislative role should be linked to political forgiveness.
“What is my status? I’m in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for prosecuting wrongdoers?” he asked.
Senator Accuses Abati of Holding Personal Grudges
Oshiomhole went further, accusing Abati of harboring personal resentment dating back to his time in public office. He reminded viewers that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) once arrested Abati following his tenure as spokesperson to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“The man who made that statement was at one time invited by the EFCC, shamelessly. After his arrest, was I the one who granted him bail?” Oshiomhole asked pointedly.
Labour Legacy Ignored, Oshiomhole Claims
The senator expressed disappointment that Abati failed to acknowledge his legacy in Nigeria’s labour movement, especially during recent Labour Day discussions. He recalled that Abati once praised him as “Oshiomhole, the people’s president” when he served as President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
“Even on Labour Day, Abati couldn’t mention the fact that I led several protests for Nigerian workers. Instead, he said labour leaders end up as governors. This is someone who once wrote admiringly about me,” he lamented.
A Personal Jab Sparks Challenge to a Fight**
The verbal war reached a peak when Oshiomhole accused Abati of bitterness stemming from a failed political ambition. Abati had contested as a deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but lost to Dapo Abiodun of the APC.
“If you’re angry because you wanted to be deputy governor and lost, is that why you’re always attacking me on air? If you want to abuse me, don’t hide behind a TV camera. Let’s meet in the street and fight it out,” Oshiomhole said.
Tension Mounts as Nigerians React Online**
While Abati is yet to officially respond to Oshiomhole’s challenge, the clash has generated buzz online, with many Nigerians debating the ethics, pride, and political rivalry involved.
As the drama unfolds, observers await Abati will fire back or take the high road. Regardless Oshiomhole statements have ensured this controversy won’t fade quickly.
