Former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole has strongly criticised former presidential spokesperson and broadcaster Reuben Abati over what he described as a provocative and misleading question posed during a recent television interview.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Tuesday, the former Edo State governor reacted to Abati’s remarks during a previous show where Delta State’s immediate past governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, was asked whether he sought Oshiomhole’s “permission” before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I was shocked that someone of Abati’s stature would ask such a mischievous question,” Oshiomhole said.
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“He asked Okowa, ‘did you get permission from Oshiomhole that your sins will now be forgiven before you decided to decamp to APC?’. That was not only disrespectful but also an attempt to drag me into political decisions I had no part in.”
Oshiomhole accused Abati of trying to create a false narrative linking him to political cross-carpeting and warned that continued provocation could lead to a confrontation.
“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 referenced Abati’s past, noting that he was once arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after serving as spokesperson to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“The man who made that statement was at a 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 criticized Abati’s comments made on Labour Day, accusing the seasoned journalist of disregarding his legacy and contributions to the Nigerian 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 added that if Abati wished to continue his criticisms, he should address them openly and directly.
“Instead of giving me credit, he claimed that once labour leaders leave the NLC, they go on to become governors.
“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.”
