SERAP called on President Tinubu’s administration to uphold constitutional rights and democratic values.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), demanding the immediate reversal of what it described as an “unlawful” ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s latest protest song, ‘Tell Your Papa’.
In a statement released on Thursday night, SERAP condemned the NBC’s directive prohibiting Nigerian radio and television stations from airing the politically charged track.
The pro-accountabiliy organisation labelled the ban a violation of freedom of expression and artistic liberty.
SERAP called on President Tinubu’s administration to uphold constitutional rights and democratic values.
NBC slammed a broadcast ban on the veteran Nigerian rapper’s latest protest track, “Tell Your Papa,” declaring it “objectionable” and “unfit” for public airplay on radio and television stations across the country.
In a memo dated April 9, 2025, signed by Susan Obi, the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, the commission said the song has been classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB) under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content considered offensive or in violation of public decency.
The directive, 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.”
“Your cooperation and commitment to upholding greatly appreciated. Thank you, Susan Obi – Coordinating Director, Broadcast Monitoring.”
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.
In its statement, SERAP said, “This ban is illegal, unjustified, and a blatant attempt to silence dissent.
“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.”
SERAP warned that failure to lift the ban within 48 hours would result in legal action, adding that it is prepared to take the matter to court to ensure accountability and the protection of artistic freedom.
“We’ll see in court if the ban is not reversed within 48 hours.”
‘Tell Your Papa’, known for its critical tone and commentary on governance, has stirred public discourse since its release.
Critics of the ban argue that it reflects growing intolerance for dissent under the current administration.
The development is drawing widespread attention from civil society groups, artists, and freedom of expression advocates, who see the ban as a worrying signal in the broader context of democratic rights in Nigeria.
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