Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, has challenged Arise TV anchor and former presidential spokesperson Dr. Reuben Abati to a fight over remarks he considered disrespectful and misleading, made during a live broadcast.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Oshiomhole responded to comments made by Abati on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, where Abati had asked former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa whether he sought Oshiomhole’s approval before switching to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Oshiomhole criticized the question as mischievous, questioning why Abati would imply he held such authority within the APC.
The senator, a former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president and ex-governor of Edo State, dismissed the idea that he had any influence over prosecutorial decisions in the party, emphasizing his role as a legislator. Although he did not directly name Abati, his comments were clearly directed at the journalist, referencing Abati’s past, including his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after serving as President Goodluck Jonathan’s spokesperson.
Oshiomhole also accused Abati of downplaying his contributions to labor movements, especially on May Day, despite previously praising him as “Oshiomhole the people’s president” when he led the NLC.
In a direct challenge, Oshiomhole suggested that if Abati’s criticism stemmed from his failed bid as a deputy governor in Ogun State, they should settle their differences outside the studio. He said, “If you want to abuse me, don’t hide behind the TV; let’s meet in the street and fight it out.”
Abati had been the running mate to Buruji Kashamu in the 2019 Ogun State gubernatorial election under the People’s Democratic Party, where they lost to Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress.
NewsGlobal Reporters