SERAP Issues 48 Hours for FG, NBC to Reverse Ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s Protest Song “Tell Your Papa”
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to reverse the ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s protest song, “Tell Your Papa.” The NBC had recently prohibited the song from airplay, citing violations of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which addresses “objectionable” content.
Eedris Abdulkareem, a veteran Nigerian rapper known for his politically charged music, responded to the ban by accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of suppressing dissent and stifling freedom of expression. He drew parallels between this recent ban and the 2004 censorship of his song “Jaga Jaga” during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, questioning the nation’s progress in upholding democratic principles.
SERAP, a prominent human rights organization, condemned the NBC’s action, labeling it as an infringement on artistic freedom and a violation of constitutional rights to free expression and access to information. The organization emphasized that political expression is a fundamental right and that the NBC’s actions could deter legitimate discourse on public interest issues.
Earlier on Friday Amnesty internation had condemned the ban by the National Broadcasting Commission saying it’s a clear violation of freedom of expression, which includes the right to obtain information:
“The National Broadcasting Commission’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”.
In a related development, the Federal High Court in Lagos had previously ruled that the NBC lacks the legal authority to impose fines or sanctions on media houses without judicial oversight. The court declared such actions by the NBC as unlawful and inconsistent with the principles of freedom of expression and media freedom.
SERAP has a history of challenging the NBC’s regulatory decisions, including filing a lawsuit at the ECOWAS Court of Justice over the commission’s broadcasting code. The organization argues that the NBC’s practices undermine media freedom and violate international human rights obligations.