BREAKING: ‘Tell Your Papa’: Amnesty Int’l Makes One Demand as NBC Bans Abdulkareem’s Song Tackling Tinubu
Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over its decision to ban the broadcast of veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s politically charged song, “Tell Your Papa,” calling it an “unjustified attack on freedom of expression.”
The controversial ban has sparked public outcry, with Amnesty describing the move as an abuse of power and a reflection of growing intolerance towards dissent under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Violation of Fundamental Rights”
In a strongly worded statement on Friday, April 11, Amnesty International stated that categorizing “Tell Your Papa” as “Not To Be Broadcast” simply because it criticizes government officials and policies, was unconstitutional.
“The NBC’s blatant ban of broadcasting Eedris Abdulkareem’s song ‘Tell Your Papa’ is a clear violation of freedom of expression, which includes the right to obtain information.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must immediately direct the NBC to withdraw the bizarre ban which violates a range of human rights,” the rights group said.
“No Legal Justification”
Amnesty International further argued that there is no legal basis for the action, insisting that the Nigerian Broadcasting Code being cited is “deeply flawed and problematic.”
“Citing the broadcasting code to justify this ban shows a new level of intolerance of dissenting voices. Nigerians have the right to access information and express themselves freely—especially through music, which has historically been a tool of social commentary and resistance,” the group noted.
“Artists Are Being Silenced”
The rights organization also warned that the move could send a chilling message to artists, journalists, and media platforms across the country.
“This clampdown on artistic freedom is an appalling reminder that artists are at the risk of being silenced. Nothing can justify suffocating creative freedom,” Amnesty stated.
It added that the arbitrary and unlawful action would likely discourage radio and television stations from airing politically sensitive content, further shrinking Nigeria’s civic space.
“Nigeria Violating Its Own Commitments”
Highlighting Nigeria’s obligations under international law, Amnesty said the NBC’s action contradicts treaties the country is party to.
“The decision to ban the song violates Nigeria’s international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” the statement said.
Call for Immediate Reversal
Amnesty International has now called on the Tinubu-led government to reverse the ban and uphold the fundamental rights of Nigerians.
“It is not too late for President Tinubu to act. Withdrawing the ban will prevent the dangerous precedent of promoting censorship and a growing fear of repression,” the group advised.
As public debate continues to swell over the ban, many Nigerians on social media have echoed Amnesty’s sentiments, accusing the government of attempting to silence critical voices through the backdoor.
