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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government and the National Broadcasting Commission to reverse the ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s latest protest song, “Tell Your Papa.”
The organisation made this known in a post via its official X handle on Thursday, hours after NBC placed a ban on the protest song, which is critical of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
SERAP described the ban as unlawful and a violation of the Nigerian artist’s right to freedom of expression.
The organisation, therefore, warned of impending legal action if the directive is not rescinded within the stipulated timeframe.
The post reads, “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.”
PUNCH Online reports that NBC, in a memo dated April 9, 2025, and signed by the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, declared the song Not To Be Broadcast.
The commission cited Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits materials deemed offensive or against public decency.
The memo titled “Restriction on broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem” reads, “The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem, currently trending on social media, as content deemed inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature.
“It is therefore classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The commission requests that your station exercises discretion and refrains from airing this song to maintain responsible broadcasting standards.”
However, the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria has strongly criticised NBC for banning the protest song.
Speaking with our correspondent on Thursday, PMAN President, Pretty Okafor, argued that NBC’s decision to ban the song could backfire by inadvertently boosting its popularity, especially given the growing dissatisfaction among Nigerians over the country’s economic challenges.
Abdulkareem, who is known for his socially conscious and politically conscious music, has rejected the ban placed on his sing. The rapper and singer has always used his songs to comment on governance, corruption, and social justice.
His latest track, “Tell Your Papa,” criticises the Tinubu’s administration over the current economic hardship and governance failure.
