Oshiomhole challenges Abati to a ‘street fight’ over ‘disrespectful’ remarks

Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has issued a fiery challenge to Arise TV anchor and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, over what he described as “disrespectful and mischievous” remarks made on national television.

The former Edo State governor and ex-president of the Nigeria Labour Congress made the comments on Tuesday during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, where he reacted to a recent episode of Arise TV’s The Morning Show. In the episode, Abati questioned former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I was particularly shocked that a senior editor could ask the immediate past governor of Delta State, Okowa, mischievously—and I must say, with all due respect—‘Did you get permission from Oshiomhole that your sins will now be forgiven before you decided to decamp to APC?’” Oshiomhole said.

Describing the comment as absurd, Oshiomhole questioned why anyone would suggest he had the authority to absolve political figures of their past actions.

“How can you ask that? What is my status? I am in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for prosecuting anyone for wrongdoing?” he asked rhetorically.

Although Oshiomhole did not mention Abati by name, his pointed remarks left little doubt about who was being referenced. He went further by dragging up Abati’s past controversies, including his invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his tenure as spokesperson to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“The man who made that statement was, at a time, invited by the EFCC after he was Jonathan’s spokesman—shamelessly. Was I the one who granted him bail to leave PDP and go where he is today?” Oshiomhole quipped.

He also accused Abati of deliberately ignoring his role in Nigeria’s labour movement, particularly during May Day commemorations.

“Even on Labour Day, he couldn’t acknowledge that I led protests as president of the NLC. This is the same guy who once wrote an article titled ‘Oshiomhole, the People’s President.’ But today, he mocks those who leave the NLC to become governors,” Oshiomhole said.