ABUJA: The Serap Nigeria has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), urging them to lift the ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s politically charged song, “Tell Your Papa.”
In a strongly worded statement released Thursday night, SERAP described the ban as illegal and a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression and artistic creativity. The organization called on the government to respect constitutional principles and democratic freedoms.
Earlier this week, NBC directed broadcast stations across Nigeria to stop airing the track, labeling it “objectionable” and “unfit” for public consumption. According to a memo dated April 9, 2025, signed by Susan Obi, the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, the song was deemed to breach Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which bars content considered offensive or contrary to public decency.
The directive stated: The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem, currently trending on social media, as inappropriate for broadcast.
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It is therefore, classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB). Your station is advised to refrain from airing the song to maintain professional broadcasting standards.”
The track, which openly criticizes the state of the nation and specifically targets Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has sparked widespread conversations. Abdulkareem, known for his bold social commentary, uses the song to highlight issues such as economic hardship, insecurity, and governance failures.
SERAP condemned the move, stating, “This ban is unjustified and aimed at suppressing dissent. The Tinubu-led government must act swiftly to reverse this unlawful directive or face legal consequences.”
The group warned that failure to comply within the 48-hour deadline would prompt legal action in defense of artistic and civil liberties. “If the ban is not lifted, we’ll meet them in court. We are fully prepared to challenge this suppression of creative freedom.”
Since its release, “Tell Your Papa” has become a flashpoint in debates about freedom of speech in Nigeria.
Critics argue that the ban reflects a disturbing trend of intolerance for dissent and shrinking civic space under the current administration.
The decision has drawn backlash from civil society organizations, artists, and rights advocates who see it as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic values and a violation of fundamental rights.
