ABUJA: Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has issued a fiery challenge to Dr. Reuben Abati, a prominent journalist and co-anchor on Arise TV, over what he described as disrespectful and mischievous comments made during a live broadcast.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Oshiomhole reacted strongly to remarks Abati made on a recent episode of The Morning Show
The comment in question was directed at former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, whom Abati allegedly asked in jest whether he had sought Oshiomhole’s permission before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
I was particularly shocked that a senior editor could ask the immediate past governor of Delta State, Okowa, ‘Did you get permission from Oshiomhole for your sins to be forgiven before decamping to the APC?’ That was mischievous, Oshiomhole said.
The former Edo State governor and ex-president of the Nigeria Labour Congress dismissed the insinuation that he holds the power to grant political pardons within the APC. How can you ask that? What is my status? I am in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for prosecuting anyone? That’s not my role,” he added.
Though Oshiomhole did not directly mention Abati’s name, his references left little doubt about the target. He went further, bringing up Abati’s past involvement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his tenure as presidential spokesperson under Goodluck Jonathan.
The man who made that statement was once invited by the EFCC after serving as Jonathan’s spokesman. Shamelessly, he was arrested. Was I the one who granted him bail to leave PDP and go wherever he wanted?” Oshiomhole said.
He also criticised Abati for allegedly downplaying his role in Nigeria’s labour movement, particularly on Labour Day. Even on May Day, he couldn’t bring himself to acknowledge my role in the labour movement. He spoke of protests and picketing, but didn’t mention that I led them. This is someone who once wrote an article titled ‘Oshiomhole, the People’s President’ when I led the NLC,” Oshiomhole recalled.
Capping off his outburst, Oshiomhole accused Abati of harbouring political bitterness following his unsuccessful bid as running mate to Buruji Kashamu in the 2019 Ogun State governorship election under the PDP. If you’re angry because you wanted to be deputy governor and lost, is that why you’re paranoid? If you want to insult me, don’t hide behind the TV screen, let’s meet on the street and fight it out, Oshiomhole declared.
As of press time, Dr. Reuben Abati has not publicly responded to the senator’s remarks.
