”If you want to abuse me, don’t hide behind the TV; let’s meet in the street and fight it out.”
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has publicly challenged Reuben Abati, former presidential spokesperson and Arise TV co-host, to a physical confrontation following what he described as “mischievous” questioning during a recent broadcast.
The Edo North senator took offense at Abati’s query to former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa about seeking Oshiomhole’s “permission” to defect to the APC, calling the line of questioning unprofessional. “How can you ask that? What is my status? I am in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for the prosecution of anyone?” Oshiomhole fired back during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Oshiomhole also referenced Abati’s past arrest by the EFCC after serving as Goodluck Jonathan’s spokesman, questioning his moral standing to criticize others.
“The man who made that statement was at a time invited by the EFCC… Was I the one who granted him bail to leave PDP to go where he is?” he added.
The senator further accused Abati of deliberately ignoring his labor movement legacy, recalling how the journalist once praised him as “Oshiomhole, the people’s president” during his NLC leadership days.
The confrontation escalated as Oshiomhole suggested Abati’s criticisms might stem from political bitterness over failed ambitions in Ogun State.
“If you are angry because you wanted to be a deputy governor and lost… is that why you’re paranoid?” he asked. In a striking challenge, Oshiomhole declared: “If you want to abuse me, don’t hide behind the TV; let’s meet in the street and fight it out.”
The remarks have sparked reactions, with many awaiting Abati’s response to the unusual call-out.
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