The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Federal Government and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) 48 hours to lift the ban on a new protest song by Nigerian artist Eedris Abdulkareem, as reported by PUNCH.
NBC recently banned the song, “Tell Your Papa,” which criticises the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The commission said the song was not suitable for radio or television and violates the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
SERAP made its statement on Thursday through its official social media page.
It said the ban is illegal and violates the singer’s right to freedom of expression.
The group warned that it would take legal action if the ban is not reversed within two days.
NBC issued the ban in a memo signed by its Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi.
The memo stated that the song is “objectionable” and should not be aired.
It cited Section 3.1.8 of the broadcasting code, which forbids content seen as offensive or against public decency.
“The Tinubu administration must immediately reverse the unlawful ban by the National Broadcasting Commission stopping Nigerian radio and TV stations from airing Eedris Abdulkareem’s new single.”
“We’ll see in court if the ban is not reversed within 48 hours,” they said.
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) also criticised NBC. PMAN President, Pretty Okafor, said the ban may have the opposite effect.
He noted that many Nigerians are unhappy with the current economic situation, and the song could become more popular as a result.
Eedris Abdulkareem is known for using music to speak on politics and social issues.
In the past, he has released songs that address corruption, bad governance, and inequality.
His latest song, “Seyi Tell Your Papa,” speaks directly to the economic hardship in Nigeria, it questions the government’s decisions and criticises its performance.
SERAP insists that banning songs like this silences important voices and called on the government to respect freedom of speech and allow artists to express the views of the people.
If the ban is not reversed, SERAP says it will take the matter to court.
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