Veteran Nigerian hip-hop artist and social activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has strongly criticized the National Broadcasting Commission’s decision to ban his latest single, “Tell Your Papa.”
The NBC had earlier directed radio and television stations to refrain from airing the song, citing its “objectionable nature” and classifying it as Not To Be Broadcast under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
In a statement released on Thursday night, Abdulkareem expressed his discontent, asserting that the ban reflects the government’s intolerance towards truth and constructive criticism.
He remarked, “It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed as a big crime by the government.”
He further labeled President Bola Tinubu’s administration as “one of the most insensitive, vindictive and grossly maleficent administrations ever to preside over the affairs of Nigeria.”
“Tell Your Papa,” released earlier this week, directly addresses Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, urging him to relay the hardships faced by Nigerians to his father. The song serves as a response to Seyi Tinubu’s recent comments in Adamawa State, where he described his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.”
The full statement read, “NBC JUST BANNED MY NEW SINGLE “TELL YOUR PAPA”
“It’s obvious that in Nigeria, Truth and constructive criticism is always deemed as a big crime by the government, and this present government led by President Bola Tinubu, is now going on record as one of the most insensitive, vindictive and grossly maleficent administration ever to preside over the affairs of Nigeria.
“Just under 2 years of his presidency, and the results are just frighteningly abysmal from all fronts. And this is a fact, known by all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, tribe and political affiliations, except for the few happy slaves grovelling for crumps from their paymaster’s table!
“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.
“Well, I have travelled this road before as this is reminiscent of the ban of my song “Jaga Jaga”, by the Obasanjo administration 21 years ago!
“Any wonder why Nigeria hasn’t made impactful strides all these years?
“”The Conscience is an open wound, only the Truth can heal it”
“Aluta Continua!!!”
