Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has strongly criticised the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over its directive prohibiting the broadcast of the song “Tell Your Papa” by Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem on radio and television.
The organisation described the move as a blatant abuse of regulatory power, an infringement on constitutional rights, and a dangerous threat to freedom of expression.
The NBC, in a circular dated April 9, 2025, titled “Restriction on broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem”, signed by the Commission’s Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Ms. Susan Obi, claimed that the song’s content was objectionable and unsuitable for public broadcast.
According to the Commission, the song violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and is therefore classified as “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB).
Reacting to the directive, MRA’s Programme Officer, Ms. Ayomide Eweje, in a statement issued in Lagos, described the section of the Code cited by NBC as vague and lacking clarity. She argued that Section 3.1.8 merely states that content classified as NTBB should not be broadcast but fails to outline what qualifies as NTBB content or the criteria for such classification.
“The provision is nebulous and opens the door to arbitrary interpretations,” Eweje said. “This directive is a clear misuse of regulatory powers. The NBC appears to have misunderstood its role as a regulator and is now acting as a censor, undermining the rights to freedom of expression and access to information.”
MRA urged the NBC to immediately withdraw the directive and review its regulatory framework to align with democratic principles and constitutional guarantees. The organisation also called on stakeholders in the media and civil society to resist what it described as an encroachment on fundamental freedoms.
Meanwhile, the artist has described the ban as a blatant attempt by the government to silence dissent and suppress free speech.
“It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed as a big crime by the government,” Abdulkareem said.
“This present government, led by President Bola Tinubu, is now going on record as one of the most insensitive, vindictive and grossly maleficent administrations ever to preside over the affairs of Nigeria.”
According to Abdulkareem, the song highlights the worsening economic conditions, rising poverty, and unchecked government excesses since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
The controversial song, released earlier this week, is a no-holds-barred critique of Nigeria’s current leadership, specifically targeting Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.
Abdulkareem, known for his long history of politically charged music, uses the track to paint a bleak picture of the country’s worsening economic crisis, insecurity, and government dysfunction.
The song was shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday and has since gone viral, resonating with frustrated Nigerians who feel increasingly abandoned by the ruling elite.
In the track, Abdulkareem raps: “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”
He continues with pointed bars aimed at the lavish lifestyle of the president’s son: “Seyi, how far? I swear your papa no try. Too much empty promises. On behalf of Nigerians, take our message to him; kidnappers dey kill Nigerians.”
“Seyi, try travel by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians. You dey fly private jets, insecurity no be your problem.”