Senator Adams Oshiomhole has publicly dared journalist and former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, to a physical fight following remarks made during a television broadcast that he found insulting.
The exchange began after Abati, while speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, commented on the defection of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In his remark, Abati asked if Okowa had to get approval from Oshiomhole for his move to be accepted.
The question did not sit well with Oshiomhole, who voiced his anger during an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today.
Oshiomhole questioned why Abati would imply that he had such influence over the affairs of the party or over forgiveness of past actions.
He insisted that his current position as a legislator does not place him in charge of handling anyone’s wrongdoings or judging their political choices.
Though he did not directly mention Abati’s name, his words made it clear who he was referring to.
He went on to accuse Abati of holding onto personal issues, bringing up the time Abati was reportedly invited and later arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after his role as spokesperson to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Oshiomhole wondered if he had anything to do with that process, asking why he was now being dragged into similar matters.
The senator, who is a former governor and one-time labour leader, also expressed displeasure with how Abati spoke about Labour Day celebrations.
According to him, Abati failed to mention his contributions to workers’ struggles and protests during his time as president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)
He recalled that the same Abati once praised him in an article for his work at the NLC but now appears to downplay it.
Oshiomhole ended his remarks by suggesting that if Abati was truly upset with him, they could settle their differences physically rather than through media platforms.
He referenced Abati’s past political ambition, particularly his failed bid to become deputy governor in Ogun State during the 2019 election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Oshiomhole implied that this loss may be fuelling the journalist’s attacks.
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