A PRIEST IN ANAMBRA STATE WEDDED A COUPLE YESTERDAY, DESPITE DISPUTES WITH THE BRIDE’S FATHER. (PHOTOS).
Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called out journalist and former presidential spokesperson Dr. Reuben Abati, challenging him to a physical confrontation following remarks made on a television program that Oshiomhole deemed "disrespectful" and "mischievous."
The dispute stems from a recent TV episode where Abati questioned former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa about his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Oshiomhole, speaking on Tuesday, took issue with Abati’s suggestion that Okowa needed his permission to join the APC, questioning the journalist’s implication that he holds such authority within the party.
“How can you ask that? What is my status? I am in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for the prosecution of anyone?” Oshiomhole, a former Edo State governor and Nigeria Labour Congress president, said during an interview.
Without naming Abati directly, Oshiomhole referenced the journalist’s past, including his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after serving as spokesperson for former President Goodluck Jonathan. “The man who made that statement was invited by the EFCC after he was Jonathan’s spokesman. Was I the one who granted him bail?” Oshiomhole remarked.
Oshiomhole also criticized Abati for failing to acknowledge his contributions to labor movements, particularly during May Day events. He recalled Abati once referring to him as “Oshiomhole the people’s president” during his NLC tenure, but now downplaying his role. “Rather than crediting me, he said when they leave NLC, they become governors,” Oshiomhole said.
The senator escalated the feud with a direct challenge, referencing Abati’s unsuccessful 2019 run for deputy governor in Ogun State alongside PDP candidate Buruji Kashamu, where they lost to APC’s Dapo Abiodun. “If you are angry because you wanted to be a deputy governor and lost an election, is that why you abuse me? If you want to abuse me, don’t hide behind the TV; let’s meet in the street and fight it out,” Oshiomhole declared.
Abati has not publicly responded to the challenge.
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