Nigerian hip-hop veteran and activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has lashed out at the Federal Government following the ban placed on his latest politically charged single, “Tell Your Papa”, by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The NBC, in a memo dated April 9, 2025, declared the song “Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB)”, citing Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code which prohibits content deemed offensive.
The directive, signed by the Commission’s Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, was circulated to radio and television stations nationwide, effectively silencing the track on mainstream media.
Reacting to the development, Abdulkareem described the move as another clear sign of the Tinubu administration’s intolerance of dissent and its desperation to suppress truth.
“It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed a big crime by the government,” he said.
“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 the affairs of Nigeria.”
The controversial track, “Tell Your Papa”, touches on deepening economic hardship, rising poverty, and what Abdulkareem called unchecked government excesses since President Tinubu took office in May 2023.
“Just under two years of his presidency and the results are frighteningly abysmal from all fronts,” he noted.
“This is a fact known by all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, tribe or political affiliation—except for the few happy slaves grovelling for crumbs from their paymaster’s table.”
Abdulkareem, known for his bold activism through music, is no stranger to censorship.
In 2004, his hit song “Jaga Jaga” was similarly banned under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration for its damning critique of Nigeria’s leadership.
The song, however, went on to become a symbol of resistance and political consciousness among Nigerian youths.
“Any wonder why Nigeria hasn’t made impactful strides all these years?” he asked.
“The conscience is an open wound—only the truth can heal it.”
