The Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has lashed out at Arise TV anchor and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, over what he described as “disrespectful and mischievous” remarks made on national television.
Oshiomhole issued the challenge during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Tuesday. He was responding to a recent segment of The Morning Show on Arise TV, in which Abati questioned former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“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 for your sins to be forgiven before you decided to decamp to the APC?’” Oshiomhole said.
The former Nigeria Labour Congress president and ex-Governor of Edo State expressed dismay at the implication that he held such influence within the APC.
“How can you ask that? What is my status? I am in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for the prosecution of anyone found wanting in any way?” he queried.
While Oshiomhole refrained from naming Abati directly during the interview, his references to the journalist’s political background and past activities made the target of his criticism unmistakable.
He further took a jab at Abati’s record, alluding to his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after serving as spokesperson to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Sunday Olufemi Adedeji
