Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, has publicly lambasted veteran journalist and Arise Television co-host Dr. Reuben Abati, challenging him to a physical confrontation over what he described as “mischievous” and “disrespectful” comments made during a recent broadcast.
Oshiomhole posed the challenge while speaking on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television on Tuesday. The former Edo State governor was reacting to a question Abati had posed to Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past governor of Delta State, during a recent interview on Arise TV.
“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 said, clearly incensed.
He questioned Abati’s motive and criticized what he perceived as an effort to link him to the political choices of others.
“How can you ask that? What is my status? I’m in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for prosecuting anyone? That question was totally out of line,” he added.
The senator also took a swipe at Abati’s past involvement in government, recalling that the former presidential spokesperson under President Goodluck Jonathan was once questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“The man who made that statement — Reuben Abati — was arrested by the EFCC after his time in government. Did I grant him bail? Did he need my permission to leave the PDP? That hypocrisy is what I find disturbing,” Oshiomhole said.
He further accused Abati of downplaying his legacy as a labour leader, particularly during discussions surrounding Labour Day.
“Even on Labour Day, he couldn’t find it in himself to mention my name despite my role as a former NLC president who led national protests. This is someone who once wrote a piece titled ‘Oshiomhole: The People’s President.’ What changed?” Oshiomhole queried.
Oshiomhole went on to allege that Abati’s perceived hostility may be rooted in political frustration, referencing his unsuccessful bid for deputy governor in Ogun State.
“If you’re angry because you lost a deputy governorship race in Ogun State, is that a reason to go on national TV and insult me at every turn?” he asked.
Concluding his remarks, Oshiomhole challenged Abati to face him directly rather than hiding behind television screens
“If you want to insult me, don’t hide behind a studio camera. Let’s meet in the street and fight it out,” he declared.
As of press time, Dr. Reuben Abati has not issued a response to Oshiomhole’s comments
