The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Federal Government and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) 48 hours to lift the ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s new protest song titled “Tell Your Papa.”
SERAP made this known in a strong statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday. The organization condemned NBC’s decision, calling it “unlawful” and a “violation of freedom of expression.”
SERAP Threatens Legal Action
SERAP warned that if the ban is not reversed within 48 hours, it will take the matter to court.
“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,” the group said.
“We’ll see you in court if the ban is not reversed within 48 hours,” SERAP added.
The controversial song, “Tell Your Papa,” openly criticizes President Bola Tinubu’s administration and highlights the severe hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians. The lyrics call on the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, to speak to his father about the worsening economy, growing insecurity, and the daily struggles of the people.
NBC Justifies the Ban
NBC banned the song in a memo dated April 9, 2025. The memo, signed by the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, labeled the track as “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB). The commission said the song violated Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which forbids content deemed offensive, indecent, or inappropriate for public broadcast.
The statement 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.”
Also Read:
- PMAN Condemns NBC Ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s Protest Song
- Eedris Abdulkareem Blasts NBC for Banning His Protest Song
PMAN Backs Eedris, Warns NBC
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) also criticized the ban. PMAN President Pretty Okafor told journalists that the decision to block the song might backfire and actually boost its popularity.
“The first major mistake is banning the song because it’s going to make the song even go viral right now,” Okafor said.
He added, “Those who haven’t heard about the song or haven’t even listened to it will now go looking for it. The song has practically pinched the government somewhere, that’s why they ordered the ban.”
Okafor explained that while PMAN may not have the power to officially support Abdulkareem due to the sensitivity of the issue, the organization believes the rapper is simply speaking the truth about the country’s current condition.
“We cannot pretend that all is well. The song is telling us the truth, and there is nothing wrong with that,” he said.
Eedris Abdulkareem Responds
Eedris Abdulkareem, known for his outspoken and politically charged songs, has not kept silent either. He rejected the NBC’s action, calling it an attack on his right to speak out on behalf of suffering Nigerians.
His track “Tell Your Papa” was released earlier this week and quickly gained traction on social media. In the song, he challenges Seyi Tinubu’s praise of his father, calling on him to witness the true suffering of the people.
In one of the verses, he raps:
“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”
“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.”
The song is widely seen as a response to Seyi Tinubu’s recent comment in Adamawa State, where he described his father as “the greatest President in Nigeria’s history.”
Freedom of Expression at Risk?
Many Nigerians have joined SERAP and PMAN in condemning the ban, saying it shows growing intolerance to criticism by the authorities. Social media users have continued to share the song despite NBC’s warning to radio and TV stations.
For now, all eyes are on the Federal Government and the NBC as the 48-hour deadline approaches. Will they lift the ban or face a legal battle from SERAP?
As Eedris Abdulkareem’s voice continues to echo through the country, one thing is clear: the conversation around “Tell Your Papa” has just begun.