The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Federal Government of Nigeria and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) a 48-hour ultimatum to reverse the ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s protest song, “Tell Your Papa.” SERAP has deemed the ban unlawful and a violation of the artist’s freedom of expression.
In a statement released on its ? (formerly Twitter) platform on Thursday, SERAP condemned the NBC’s decision, threatening legal action if the ban is not lifted within the stipulated time. “The Tinubu administration must immediately reverse the unlawful ban imposed by the National Broadcasting Commission, which has stopped Nigerian radio and TV stations from airing Eedris Abdulkareem’s new single. If the ban is not reversed within 48 hours, we’ll see the government in court,” SERAP stated.
The NBC’s directive, issued through a memo signed by Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, classified the song as “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB). The commission cited Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content deemed offensive or against public decency.
The memo, titled “Restriction on broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem,” stated, “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.”
Eedris Abdulkareem, known for his socially conscious music and outspoken criticism of governance, released “Tell Your Papa” as a commentary on the current administration, addressing economic hardship and perceived governance failures.
SERAP, a prominent advocacy group focused on human rights and transparency, has taken a firm stance against what it views as an attack on freedom of speech and artistic expression. The group’s ultimatum sets the stage for a potential legal battle, highlighting the ongoing tension between artistic freedom and government regulation in Nigeria.
