Senator representing Edo North and former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has publicly challenged Arise TV anchor and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, following what he described as “disrespectful and mischievous” remarks made on live television.
Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Tuesday, Oshiomhole responded to comments made by Abati during a recent episode of Arise TV’s The Morning Show. Abati had questioned former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, about his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), jokingly asking whether he had obtained “permission” from Oshiomhole to have his “sins forgiven.”
Expressing outrage, Oshiomhole said, “I was particularly shocked that a senior editor could ask the immediate past governor of Delta State, Okowa — mischievously, I must say — with all due respect, ‘Did you get permission from Oshiomhole for your sins to be forgiven before joining the APC?’”
Oshiomhole, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), called the question absurd, stressing that he holds no prosecutorial power as a legislator. “How can you ask that? What is my status? I am in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for the prosecution of anyone?” he asked.
Though Oshiomhole refrained from naming Abati directly, his references to Abati’s media and political career made the target of his remarks unmistakable. He also took a swipe at Abati’s past involvement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), referencing his arrest after serving as spokesperson to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“The man who made that statement was, at a time, invited by the EFCC after his time as Jonathan’s spokesman — shamelessly. Thereafter, EFCC arrested him. Was I the one who granted him bail to leave the PDP and go where he is now?” Oshiomhole said.
He further accused Abati of deliberately downplaying his contributions to the labour movement, particularly during May Day celebrations. “Even on Labour Day, he couldn’t acknowledge that I led the protests. This is someone who once wrote an article titled ‘Oshiomhole: The People’s President’ when I was NLC president. Now he says, ‘they leave NLC and go on to become governors,’ without naming me.”
Oshiomhole concluded his remarks with a direct challenge, accusing Abati of hiding behind the television screen. “If you’re angry because you wanted to be a deputy governor and lost the election in Ogun State, is that why you’re paranoid and keep attacking me? If you want to abuse me, don’t do it on TV — let’s meet on the street and fight it out.”
Abati was the deputy governorship candidate alongside Buruji Kashamu under the PDP in the 2019 Ogun State gubernatorial election. They lost to Dapo Abiodun of the APC.