Senator Adams Oshiomhole has issued a fiery response to journalist Reuben Abati, challenging him to a face-off over what he described as a “mischievous” line of questioning during a recent TV programme.

Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Tuesday, the former Edo State governor took issue with Abati’s question to former Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa during a previous episode.

“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.

He criticised Abati for attempting to link him to Okowa’s political decisions.

“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?” he asked.

Oshiomhole also dug into 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 said.

The APC senator further accused Abati of downplaying his legacy in the labour movement, particularly during Labour Day celebrations.

“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,” he said.

“Instead of giving me credit, he claimed that once labour leaders leave the NLC, they go on to become governors,” Oshiomhole added.

He also alluded to Abati’s political ambitions and alleged frustrations.

“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.”