Fijabi Olanrewaju
FORMER Edo State governor and currently a senator representing Edo North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Adams Oshiomhole has fired back at the First Lady of the state, Betsy Obaseki, daring to accuse the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, of being a bachelor and as such unworthy to occupy the exalted office.
Mrs Obaseki had, during a campaign, told party supporters that Senator Okpebholo does not deserve to occupy the number one seat in the state as he has not shown that he could be responsible for having refused to get involved with any member of the opposite sex.
But not willing to let such commentary slide, Senator Oshiomhole said “I was shocked yesterday to see Mrs Obaseki, the First Lady, saying our candidate has no wife. Here is a woman who has no child; between her and Obaseki they have no child, they are childless, they are not even ready to adopt, they are both in their 60s, their marriage, I don’t know if it is a contract or whatever, it is, but they have no child”.
This comment has sparked a wave of reactions across social media, with many Nigerians expressing their disapproval of the personal nature of Oshiomhole’s remarks. While some defended Oshiomhole, arguing that Betsy Obaseki’s comment was also inappropriate, others criticised him for stooping to such a level.
One user tweeted in defence of Oshiomhole, saying that those calling him childish or low are misguided. Meanwhile, another user expressed disappointment with the senator’s response, stating that the remarks were uncalled for.
Many Nigerians condemned the exchange for dragging personal issues into politics. Another tweet criticized the senator for focusing on personal attacks instead of discussing the programs his party has for the people. Another user labelled Oshiomhole’s comments as distasteful and unbecoming of a leader.
Eighteen-Eleven Media