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The Socio-Economic and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), demanding a direct reversal from the recent prohibition on Nigeria Eedris Abdulkareem’s protest song, telling Your Papa.
In a statement posted on the official platform X on Thursday, the group of civil rights condemned the prohibition as a violation of fundamental human rights, especially freedom of expression, and swear to seek legal compensation if the direction was not withdrawn.
“The Tinubu government must immediately reverse a prohibition that violates the law by the National Broadcasting Commission which stops Nigeria radio and TV stations from the new single Eedris Abdulkareem,” said Serap. “We will see in court if the ban is not reversed within 48 hours.”
NBC, in the memo dated April 9, 2025, was signed by the Director of Broadcast Monitoring Coordination, Susan Obi, categorized the song as “not to be Broadcast” (NTBB). The commission quotes section 3.1.8 of the Nigerian broadcasting code, which prohibits content that is considered offensive or to public politeness.
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Internal Circular, entitled restrictions on broadcasting “Tell Your Papa” by Eedris Abdulkareem, directed all broadcast stations to carry out wisdom and refrain from showing the track, declaring it violating national broadcasting standards.
Eedris Abdulkareem, a veteran musician who is known for his blunt music and social awareness, has long used his platform to call political government and the inequality of political economy. His latest song reportedly criticized the current government for handling economic challenges and increasing difficulties throughout the country.
NBC’s steps have triggered widespread criticism, with many people seeing it as an effort to hamper differences of opinion and censor artists who speak the truth to power. The absorption echoes this concern, warning that such actions set a dangerous precedent for press freedom and citizenship expression in Nigerian democracy.
When the controversy was revealed, broader conversations around sensors, artistic freedom, and government accountability continued to increase. Berrap has asked administration to uphold democratic values by raising the prohibition and let the Nigerians hear and judge the song for themselves.
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