Nigerian rapper and activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has accused the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) of censorship after his latest single, “Tell Your Papa,”was banned from airplay across broadcast stations in the country.
In a statement released on Thursday, Abdulkareem condemned the action, saying it reflected the growing intolerance of the Bola Tinubu-led administration toward criticism and dissenting voices.
“It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed as a big crime by the government,” Abdulkareem 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.”
According to the artist, the NBC has dispatched a circular to all broadcast houses in Nigeria, instructing them not to air the song.
He described the move as an attempt to “shield the government by hiding the candle under the table.”
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The controversial single, “Tell Your Papa,” is believed to be a hard-hitting critique of the current administration’s economic and social policies.
Since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, Nigerians have faced record inflation, subsidy removals, and declining public confidence, sparking protests and public backlash.
Abdulkareem likened the situation to a similar incident in 200, when his track “Jaga Jaga”— a searing indictment of political corruption — was banned under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government.
“Well, I have travelled this road before,” he said. “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?”
He said, “The conscience is an open wound, only the truth can heal it.
