By Nigerian News24 staff
Oshiomhole made the remark during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, where he responded to a recent episode of Arise TV’s The Morning Show. On that show, Abati questioned the former governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, in a way that Oshiomhole found offensive. Specifically, Abati asked Okowa, “Did you get permission from Oshiomhole that your sins will now be forgiven before you decided to decamp to APC?”
Shocked by the question, Oshiomhole responded, “I was particularly stunned that a senior editor could ask a former governor such a mischievous question, with all due respect.”
Oshiomhole, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and ex-governor of Edo State, went on to express his disbelief that Abati would insinuate that he had such authority within the All Progressives Congress (APC). “How can you ask that? What is my role? I’m in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for prosecuting anyone?” he questioned.
Although he did not directly name Abati, Oshiomhole’s comments clearly referred to the journalist’s past and political background. He also took a jab at Abati’s own history, recalling his run-ins with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after serving as spokesperson for former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“The man who made that statement was once invited by the EFCC after his time as Jonathan’s spokesperson. Was I the one who helped him? Was I the one who granted him bail?” Oshiomhole remarked.
The senator also accused Abati of downplaying his significant contributions to labor movements, especially on Labour Day. “Even on Labour Day, he couldn’t give me credit for leading protests or fighting for workers’ rights. This is the same person who once called me ‘the people’s president’ when I led the NLC,” Oshiomhole said. “Instead of recognizing my role, he now criticizes labor leaders for moving on to become governors.”
Oshiomhole ended his remarks with a bold challenge: “If you’re upset because you lost a deputy governorship election in Ogun State, is that why you feel the need to attack me? If you want to insult me, don’t hide behind the TV—let’s meet on the street and settle it.”
Abati was the 2019 running mate to Buruji Kashamu in the Ogun State gubernatorial race under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), but they lost to Dapo Abiodun of the APC.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has issued a challenge to Arise TV anchor and former presidential spokesperson Dr. Reuben Abati, demanding a confrontation over what he described as disrespectful and mischievous comments made on live television.
Oshiomhole made the remark during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, where he responded to a recent episode of Arise TV’s The Morning Show. On that show, Abati questioned the former governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, in a way that Oshiomhole found offensive. Specifically, Abati asked Okowa, “Did you get permission from Oshiomhole that your sins will now be forgiven before you decided to decamp to APC?”
Shocked by the question, Oshiomhole responded, “I was particularly stunned that a senior editor could ask a former governor such a mischievous question, with all due respect.”
Oshiomhole, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and ex-governor of Edo State, went on to express his disbelief that Abati would insinuate that he had such authority within the All Progressives Congress (APC). “How can you ask that? What is my role? I’m in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for prosecuting anyone?” he questioned.
Although he did not directly name Abati, Oshiomhole’s comments clearly referred to the journalist’s past and political background. He also took a jab at Abati’s own history, recalling his run-ins with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after serving as spokesperson for former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“The man who made that statement was once invited by the EFCC after his time as Jonathan’s spokesperson. Was I the one who helped him? Was I the one who granted him bail?” Oshiomhole remarked.
The senator also accused Abati of downplaying his significant contributions to labor movements, especially on Labour Day. “Even on Labour Day, he couldn’t give me credit for leading protests or fighting for workers’ rights. This is the same person who once called me ‘the people’s president’ when I led the NLC,” Oshiomhole said. “Instead of recognizing my role, he now criticizes labor leaders for moving on to become governors.”
Oshiomhole ended his remarks with a bold challenge: “If you’re upset because you lost a deputy governorship election in Ogun State, is that why you feel the need to attack me? If you want to insult me, don’t hide behind the TV—let’s meet on the street and settle it.”
Abati was the 2019 running mate to Buruji Kashamu in the Ogun State gubernatorial race under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), but they lost to Dapo Abiodun of the APC.