Veteran Nigerian artist Eedris Abdulkareem has fired back at the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) following its decision to prohibit the broadcast of his latest politically charged single, Tell Your Papa.
The NBC had earlier issued a directive to media houses, classifying the song as “Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB)” under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. Despite gaining significant traction across social media, the commission stated that the song’s lyrics violated standards of responsible broadcasting.
In a strongly worded response posted on his Instagram page, Eedris criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of intolerance toward constructive criticism.
“NBC just banned my new single ‘Tell Your Papa’,” he wrote. “It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism are always seen as crimes by the government. This present government, led by President Bola Tinubu, is now going on record as one of the most insensitive, vindictive, and grossly maleficent administrations ever to preside over Nigeria.”
Eedris went on to compare the ban to his 2004 hit Jaga Jaga, which was similarly banned by the Obasanjo administration for its criticism of the state of the nation. “Well, I have travelled this road before,” he noted. “Any wonder why Nigeria hasn’t made impactful strides all these years?”
He further accused the NBC of attempting to shield the government from accountability:
“The attached letter has been sent to all broadcast houses in Nigeria, instructing them to shield the government by hiding the candle under the table.”
Concluding his post with a rallying cry, Eedris quoted the late Uthman Dan Fodio:
“The conscience is an open wound; only the truth can heal it.”
He signed off with: “Aluta Continua!!!”
The song Tell Your Papa had sparked wide online conversation for directly addressing Seyi Tinubu, son of the President, urging him to confront his father about the harsh realities facing everyday Nigerians.
