A heated exchange of words has sparked tension between Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Arise TV anchor, Reuben Abati, over a recent televised discussion.
The Edo North lawmaker, during an interview on Politics Today aired by Channels TV, expressed outrage over comments made by Abati regarding his influence within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Oshiomhole strongly criticized a question posed to former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa during a segment on Arise TV’s The Morning Show.
According to him, the question appeared both disrespectful and mischievous.
“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 that your sins will now be forgiven before you decided to decamp to APC?’” Oshiomhole said.
The senator, who also served as a former NLC president and governor of Edo State, noted that it was insulting to suggest that he had such authority within the APC.
“How can you ask that? What is my status? I am in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for the prosecution of anyone wrong in any way?” he questioned.
Though Oshiomhole avoided directly mentioning Reuben Abati’s name, his remarks clearly pointed to the Arise TV anchor, especially as he delved into Abati’s past involvement in politics and media.
Moreover, Oshiomhole took a swipe at Abati’s political career and his experience with the EFCC.
“The man who made that statement was at a time invited by the EFCC after he was Jonathan’s spokesman, shamelessly.
Thereafter, EFCC arrested him. Was I the one who granted him bail to leave PDP to go where he is?” he added.
In addition, Oshiomhole accused Abati of deliberately sidelining his contributions to labour struggles.
He referenced the recent Labour Day celebration where he believed Abati downplayed his achievements.
“Even on Labour Day, he was saying some labour leaders who had been involved in picketing and fought for workers; he could not even credit me with the fact that I led the protest.
This is a guy who wrote ‘Oshiomhole the people’s president’ when I was president of the NLC,” Oshiomhole noted.
Furthermore, the senator suggested that Abati’s actions stemmed from unresolved political frustrations.
“If you are angry because you wanted to be a deputy governor and you lost an election in Ogun state, is that the reason you are paranoid, that every opportunity you want to abuse me?” he asked.
In a final moment of tension, Oshiomhole challenged Abati directly: “If you want to abuse me, don’t hide behind the TV; let’s meet in the street and fight it out.”
Reuben Abati, who once served as a spokesperson under former President Goodluck Jonathan, ran as the deputy to Buruji Kashamu in the 2019 Ogun State governorship election.
They lost to the APC’s Dapo Abiodun.
