Constructive criticism is a crime in Nigeria', Eedris Abdulkareem slams NBC over new protest song 'Tell Your Papa' ban

Eedris Abdulkareem

Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has slammed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for banning his new single, "Tell Your Papa", from airplay across Nigerian radio and television stations. The NBC cited Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits the transmission of materials deemed "inappropriate, offensive, or in breach of public decency".

Abdulkareem took to his Instagram page to express his outrage, labeling the ban as a "politically-motivated attempt to suppress freedom of expression and stifle critical voices". He accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of intolerance toward dissent, stating that the government views truth and constructive criticism as a "big crime".

The rapper drew parallels between the current ban and the 2004 censorship of his protest anthem, "Jaga Jaga", under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. This comparison led him to question Nigeria's democratic progress, describing the current administration as "one of the most insensitive, vindictive and grossly maleficent" to govern Nigeria.

Abdulkareem further alleged that the NBC's directive was a deliberate effort to shield the government from public accountability, stating that the commission is instructing broadcast houses to "hide the candle under the table". He concluded by saying, "The conscience is an open wound, only the truth can heal it. Aluta Continua!"