Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has openly challenged Arise TV anchor and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, following what he described as disrespectful and misleading comments made during a live broadcast.
Speaking on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Oshiomhole responded to a recent segment of Arise TV’s The Morning Show, where Abati posed a pointed question to former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.
Abati had asked whether Okowa sought Oshiomhole’s “permission” for his “sins to be forgiven” before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC)—a remark Oshiomhole found highly inappropriate.
“I was particularly shocked that a senior editor could ask the immediate past governor of Delta State, Okowa, mischievously—with all due respect—‘Did you get permission from Oshiomhole before your sins were forgiven to join the APC?’” he said.
Oshiomhole, a former Edo State governor and past president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), questioned the premise of the statement, saying it wrongly implied he had judicial authority within the party.
“What is my status? I’m in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for prosecuting anyone?” he asked.
While Oshiomhole did not name Abati directly, he made several references pointing clearly at the journalist, including a remark about Abati’s time as a spokesperson under President Goodluck Jonathan and his subsequent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“The man who made that statement was invited by the EFCC after serving as Jonathan’s spokesman. Shamelessly.
Was I the one who granted him bail to leave PDP and go where he is now?” Oshiomhole added.
He also criticized Abati for not recognizing his contributions to labour activism, especially during May Day celebrations.
“Even on Labour Day, he couldn’t credit me for leading protests.
This is someone who once wrote an article titled ‘Oshiomhole, the People’s President’ when I led the NLC. Instead, he downplays that and claims labour leaders just go on to become governors,” the senator said.
Oshiomhole concluded by accusing Abati of harboring resentment due to his failed political bid in Ogun State, where he was the running mate to late Buruji Kashamu in the 2019 governorship election under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
They lost to Dapo Abiodun of the APC.
“If you’re angry because you wanted to be deputy governor and lost the election, is that why you’re paranoid and constantly attacking me? If you want to insult me, don’t hide behind the TV—let’s meet in the street and settle it,” Oshiomhole declared.