Senator Adams Oshiomhole has challenged Arise TV host Reuben Abati to a “street fight” over alleged disrespectful comments made during a recent broadcast

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]enator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has challenged Arise TV host, Dr Reuben Abati, a former presidential spokesperson, to a “street fight” over what he described as disrespectful and mischievous comments.

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He issued the challenge on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he reacted to a recent episode of Arise TV’s The Morning Show in which Abati questioned former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.

“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 that your sins will now be forgiven before you decided to decamp to APC?’” Oshiomhole said.

Oshiomhole, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress and ex-governor of Edo State, said he found it absurd that Abati would imply he had such powers within the APC.

If you want to abuse me, don’t hide behind the TV; let’s meet in the street and fight it out.

“How can you ask that? What is my status? I am in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for the prosecution of anyone wrong in any way?” Oshiomhole questioned.

Although he did not mention Abati by name during the interview, Oshiomhole’s references to the journalist’s past and political career pointed clearly in his direction.

He also took a swipe at Abati’s past, referencing his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after his time as President Goodluck Jonathan’s spokesperson.

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“If you are angry because you wanted to be a deputy governor and you lost an election in Ogun State, is that the reason you are paranoid, using every opportunity to 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 said.