The National Broadcasting Commission,NBC, has placed a ban on the latest single by Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem titled “Tell Your Papa.”
In a circular dated April 9, 2025, signed by Susan Obi, the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, the NBC classified the song as “Not to Be Broadcast” on all radio and television platforms across the country.
The Commission cited Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, stating the song contained content considered inappropriate for public broadcast.
The NBC further urged all broadcast stations to exercise discretion and refrain from airing the track to “maintain responsible broadcasting standards.”
“Tell Your Papa” has gained attention on social media for its pointed criticism of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The song references the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, and paints a picture of widespread hardship, insecurity, and governance failures, less than two years into the current presidency.
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Eedris Abdulkareem, in response to the ban, issued a statement comparing the situation to the censorship of his controversial 2004 song “Jaga Jaga” during the Obasanjo administration.
He expressed disappointment over what he described as the government’s continued intolerance of truth and constructive criticism.
“The conscience is an open wound, only the truth can heal it,” he wrote, decrying the NBC’s decision as a move to shield the government from public accountability.
The artist questioned why Nigeria has struggled to make significant progress over the years, arguing that suppressing voices of dissent only deepens national woes.
The development has sparked reactions and controversy about freedom of expression, censorship, and the role of music in Nigerian civic engagement.
Crediblenewsng.com
