Tell Your Papa’ Too Hot for Nigeria? Government Slaps Ban on Eedris Abdulkareem's Song
The Nigerian government has banned Eedris Abdulkareem’s latest protest song. The song is called “Tell Your Papa.” Officials say it is not suitable for the public.
The ban came from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). They used Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The rule says songs with "objectionable content" cannot be broadcast.
Why Was the Song Banned?
The song calls out President Bola Tinubu and his son, Seyi Tinubu. Eedris sings about Nigeria’s hard economy, hunger, insecurity, and poor leadership. He blames the leaders for the suffering of everyday people.
Because of this, NBC has listed the song as “Not To Be Broadcast” (NTBB) on TV and radio stations across Nigeria.
Many people are not happy with the ban. Human rights groups and civil society groups have spoken up.
Amnesty International Nigeria called the ban an attack on freedom of speech. They said Nigerians have the right to speak, sing, or write about what they feel—especially when it comes to the government.
They also asked President Tinubu to cancel the ban immediately.
SERAP Issues Warning
Another group called SERAP (Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project) is also upset. They gave the government 48 hours to reverse the decision. If not, they say they will take legal action.
SERAP believes the ban is a way to stop people from asking questions or criticizing the leaders. They said music is a tool for change and should not be silenced.
Eedris Speaks Out
Eedris Abdulkareem is no stranger to controversy. He responded quickly to the news. He accused the government of trying to shut him up. He said this is not the first time this is happening.
In 2004, his song “Jaga Jaga” was banned under President Obasanjo’s government. That song also spoke about corruption and bad governance in Nigeria.
Eedris said banning songs will not stop the truth. He believes Nigerians need to hear real voices, not just praise for politicians.
VeryDarkMan Shows Support
Popular social media activist VeryDarkMan also spoke up. He said he would help Eedris by paying for a new video for “Tell Your Papa.”
He also said the song will still go viral on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. He encouraged Nigerians to share the song everywhere, even if it’s banned on radio and TV.
What People Are Saying
Online, many Nigerians are talking about the ban. Some say the government is too sensitive. Others believe leaders should listen more and ban less.
Some music lovers believe the ban will only make the song more popular. In fact, many are now searching for it to hear what made it so “dangerous.”
A Bigger Problem?
This issue is not just about a song. It is about freedom of speech in Nigeria. Many feel the government is trying to control the story. Instead of fixing the economy or fighting insecurity, they are focusing on silencing musicians.
People are asking: “If we can’t talk or sing about our pain, what can we do?”
“Tell Your Papa” may be banned on radio, but its message is already spreading. Eedris Abdulkareem’s song has started a conversation that won’t stop soon. Nigerians want a country where they can speak freely—through music, art, or protest.
And for many, this ban only proves that the message in the song is true.
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