Nigeria, Abuja – The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a directive banning media outlets from broadcasting Eedris Abdulkareem’s latest track, Tell Your Papa.
The song criticizes the current Nigerian administration, specifically targeting Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, urging him to convey to his father the struggles faced by the country.
In the song, Abdulkareem boldly addresses Seyi Tinubu with the lyrics: “Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.” He continues, expressing discontent with the government’s empty promises, as well as its handling of security and the nation’s worsening socio-political issues.
Abdulkareem suggests that Seyi should experience the country’s pain by traveling on roads without security, contrasting the difficulties faced by ordinary Nigerians with his privileged lifestyle.
NBC Bans Eedris Abdulkareem’s ‘Tell Your Papa’ for Criticizing Nigeria’s Government
In response, the NBC issued a circular to all media houses, categorizing Tell Your Papa as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), citing violations of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The commission emphasized that the song’s content was inappropriate for broadcast due to its “objectionable nature.”
The circular read: “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. Local events and activities.”
NBC’s Ban on ‘Tell Your Papa’ Sparks Controversy Over Free Speech in Nigeria
NBC urged media stations to exercise discretion in order to maintain responsible broadcasting standards.
This ban follows Seyi Tinubu’s recent remarks in Adamawa State, where he praised his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.” Abdulkareem’s song serves as a direct critique in light of these comments.
