Nigerian civil rights group SERAP has issued a bold 48-hour ultimatum to the Tinubu-led administration, demanding the reversal of a controversial ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s protest song, “Seyi Tell Your Papa.”
- SERAP demands a reversal of the NBC ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s protest song within 48 hours.
- The song criticizes the Tinubu administration and addresses Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis.
- NBC says the track violates the broadcasting code; SERAP calls the ban unconstitutional.
SERAP Challenges Ban on Protest Song, Cites Violation of Free Speech
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken a firm stance against the Federal Government and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for banning a new politically charged song by veteran artist Eedris Abdulkareem.
Titled “Seyi Tell Your Papa,” the track delivers sharp criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, highlighting the ongoing economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
NBC, in a memo signed by Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, declared the song “objectionable” and in breach of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code. According to NBC, the lyrics were considered offensive and unsuitable for public airplay on radio or television.
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However, SERAP isn’t backing down. The organization issued a statement on Thursday via social media, calling the ban unlawful and a direct attack on freedom of expression.
“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. We’ll see in court if the ban is not reversed within 48 hours,” the statement read.
PMAN and Public Sentiment Rally Behind Eedris
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) also criticized NBC’s move. PMAN President Pretty Okafor noted that Abdulkareem’s music reflects the frustrations of millions of Nigerians.
“People are suffering, and music is a way to express what they’re feeling. This ban only makes the song more powerful,” he said.
Eedris Abdulkareem is no stranger to controversy. Known for using his platform to speak truth to power, the artist has released tracks in the past that boldly address issues like corruption, bad governance, and inequality.
In “Seyi Tell Your Papa,” he questions recent economic policies and decisions made by the government, resonating deeply with a struggling population.
SERAP Threatens Legal Action
SERAP has warned that failure to lift the ban within 48 hours will result in legal action. The group maintains that artistic freedom is a key component of democracy and that censorship of dissenting voices erodes public trust.
“Banning songs like this silences the voices of the people. Freedom of expression must be protected,” SERAP insisted.
As public reactions grow and support for Abdulkareem’s message spreads across social media, the government faces increasing pressure to allow space for critical voices in Nigeria’s democratic space.
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