Taiwo Popoola
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has issued a public challenge to former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, threatening a physical confrontation over what he deemed “mischievous” questioning on a TV show.
In an interview on Tuesday on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, and that which is being monitored by Urban Express News Online, Oshiomhole expressed shock at Abati’s line of questioning directed at Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past governor of Delta state, in a recent programme.
“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 former governor of Edo, Oshiomhole, criticised Abati for what he saw as an attempt to associate him with the political actions of others.
“How can you ask such a question? What is my role? I am part of the legislature. Is the legislature in charge of prosecuting anyone for wrongdoing?” Oshiomhole responded.
Oshiomhole also brought up Abati’s past, pointing out that he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his tenure as spokesperson for former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“The man who made that statement was, at one 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.
The senator also expressed displeasure with Abati’s Labour Day remarks, accusing the veteran journalist of overlooking his contributions to the labour movement.
“Even on Labour Day, he talked about labour leaders involved in protests and picketing, but couldn’t acknowledge that I led those demonstrations. This is someone who once wrote an article titled ‘Oshiomhole the People’s President’ when I was NLC president,” Oshiomhole stated.
He went on to say that if Abati wanted to continue criticising him, he should do so directly.
“Instead of giving me credit, he claimed that once labour leaders leave the NLC, they go on to become governors,” Oshiomhole added.
He said, “If you’re bitter because you failed to become deputy governor in Ogun State, is that why you’re so paranoid and constantly attacking me?
“If you want to insult me, don’t hide behind the TV, come out to the streets and let’s settle it face to face.”
