In a bold move defending artistic freedom and constitutional rights, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to rescind the controversial ban on the latest protest song by veteran Nigerian rapper, Eedris Abdulkareem, titled “Tell Your Papa.”
The ultimatum, made public via SERAP’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, comes barely 24 hours after the NBC declared the politically charged track “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB), citing its alleged breach of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. SERAP described the action as not only unlawful but a direct violation of Abdulkareem’s right to freedom of expression as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights laws.
“We’ll See in Court” — SERAP Challenges FG
In its strongly worded statement, SERAP said: “The Tinubu administration must immediately reverse the unlawful ban by the National Broadcasting Commission stopping Nigerian radio and TV stations from airing Eedris Abdulkareem’s new single. We’ll see in court if the ban is not reversed within 48 hours.”
This legal threat has further fueled the ongoing conversation on censorship, artistic freedom, and the shrinking space for political dissent in Nigeria. SERAP has also hinted that should the NBC fail to act within the specified timeframe, it will proceed with legal action to challenge what it considers a gross abuse of regulatory power.
In the circular dated April 9, 2025, and signed by NBC’s Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, the commission cited the song’s content as “objectionable” and inconsistent with responsible broadcasting ethics. The memo, titled “Restriction on Broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem,” directed all radio and TV stations to immediately refrain from airing the track to avoid penalties.
NBC stated: “The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem… as content deemed inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature. It is therefore classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB).”
The NBC’s decision has triggered a wave of criticism from stakeholders in the music and entertainment industry, as well as civil rights groups. The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has condemned the move, warning that it could inadvertently amplify the song’s popularity among the public.
PMAN President, Pretty Okafor, while speaking to journalists on Thursday, described the ban as counterproductive and reflective of the government’s intolerance for criticism. “By banning a protest song that reflects the hardship millions of Nigerians are facing, the NBC has only succeeded in giving it a louder voice,” he said.
Abdulkareem Stands His Ground
Known for his activism and politically conscious lyrics, Eedris Abdulkareem has refused to be silenced. In a direct response on his social media pages, he called the ban an attempt to stifle dissent. “Constructive criticism is not a crime. Tell Your Papa is the voice of the people — the same people enduring hardship, inflation, insecurity, and failed leadership,” he wrote.
Abdulkareem, who rose to fame in the early 2000s with hits like “Jaga Jaga”, has long used his music as a tool for social commentary. Tell Your Papa continues that tradition, criticizing the Tinubu administration for worsening economic conditions, fuel subsidy removal without clear palliative plans, and a widening wealth gap.
The controversy surrounding the song raises deeper questions about the balance between national security, regulatory control, and the right to free expression in Nigeria. Legal experts have noted that unless a song incites violence or spreads hate speech, it should not fall under a broadcast ban.
Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, stated, “Banning a song for criticizing the government is unconstitutional. The courts have consistently ruled in favor of free speech, especially where the content is non-violent and aimed at drawing attention to socio-political issues.”
Online, Nigerians have taken to social media platforms to debate the implications of the NBC’s ban. Hashtags such as #TellYourPapa and #UnbanEedris are trending, with many users calling for transparency and accountability from the government.
One user tweeted: “When artists start singing about suffering, and the government responds with bans instead of solutions, that’s when you know the system is afraid of its own people.”
As the 48-hour deadline draws closer, all eyes are on the federal government and NBC to either reverse the directive or face legal proceedings. This incident has once again brought Nigeria’s democratic credentials under scrutiny, especially as it relates to freedom of expression and the protection of dissenting voices.
Whether the ban is lifted or not, one thing is clear — the song “Tell Your Papa” has already struck a chord with many Nigerians, and the conversation it has sparked may be far more powerful than any ban can suppress.