Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has condemned the Federal Government’s decision to ban his recently released song, “Tell Your Papa,” labelling the move an effort to suppress free speech and constructive criticism.
The ban was issued on Thursday by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which described the track as “offensive.” In response, Abdulkareem took to Instagram to criticize the government, likening the action to the 2004 censorship of his protest hit, “Jaga Jaga.”
He described President Bola Tinubu’s administration as “insensitive and vindictive,” accusing it of attempting to silence dissenting voices. He shared an image of the NBC directive and expressed concern over what he sees as a broader pattern of intolerance for truth and accountability in governance.
In his words, “It is obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed a big crime by the government. President Bola Tinubu-led government is now going on record as one of the most insensitive, vindictive and grossly maleficent administration that has ever presided over the affairs of Nigeria.”
He added, “They are instructing broadcast houses to shield the government by hiding the candle under the table. Anyone wonder why Nigeria has not made impactful strides all these years? The conscience is an open wound, only the truth can heal it.”
The rapper’s reaction has drawn widespread attention online, sparking fresh debate over freedom of expression and censorship in Nigeria.
