If you’re still angry because you lost a bid to be Deputy Governor in Ogun State, is that why you’re using every platform to take shots at me? If you want to insult me, don’t do it from the safety of a television studio. Let’s meet face-to-face and settle this like men—in the street, if necessary – Oshiomhole
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has issued a bold challenge to Dr. Reuben Abati, former presidential spokesperson and co-host of Arise Television’s The Morning Show, calling for a physical confrontation to settle their ongoing dispute.
Oshiomhole’s outburst was triggered by comments made by Abati during a recent television broadcast, which the senator described as “mischievous” and disrespectful. Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, the former Edo State governor took exception to a question Abati posed to Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past governor of Delta State.
“I was particularly shocked that a senior journalist would ask Okowa, quite mischievously—with all due respect—‘Did you get permission from Oshiomhole for your sins to be forgiven before defecting to the APC?’” Oshiomhole said.
He questioned the implication of the remark, clarifying that as a member of the legislature, he holds no prosecutorial powers and has no authority over individuals’ political choices.
“How can you ask that? What is my role? I’m a legislator, not a prosecutor. The legislature is not responsible for investigating or punishing wrongdoing,” he asserted.
Oshiomhole then referenced Abati’s own past legal troubles, particularly his 2016 arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his tenure as spokesman for former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“The same man who made that insinuation was once invited by the EFCC—shamelessly—after serving as Jonathan’s spokesperson. He was arrested. Did I grant him bail? Was I involved in his decision to leave the PDP?” he asked.
The senator also expressed frustration over what he sees as Abati’s deliberate effort to ignore or undermine his legacy in labour activism. He was especially displeased with the journalist’s commentary during Labour Day coverage.
“On Labour Day, he referred to labour leaders who fought for workers’ rights but didn’t even mention that I led those protests. This is the same person who once described me as ‘Oshiomhole, the people’s president’ when I led the Nigeria Labour Congress,” Oshiomhole recounted.
He concluded with a pointed message to Abati, accusing him of harboring political bitterness and challenging him to resolve their issues directly.
“If you’re still angry because you lost a bid to be Deputy Governor in Ogun State, is that why you’re using every platform to take shots at me? If you want to insult me, don’t do it from the safety of a television studio. Let’s meet face-to-face and settle this like men—in the street, if necessary,” Oshiomhole said.