Nigerian authorities have banned all broadcasters from playing the politically charged song “Tell Your Papa” by artist Eedris Abdulkareem. The track directly criticises President Bola Tinubu and highlights the hardships and insecurity faced by many Nigerians.
Song Slams President and Appeals to Son
In his lyrics, Abdulkareem implores President Tinubu’s son, Seyi, to inform his father that “people are dying” due to the prevailing hardship and insecurity, emphasizing that there is “hunger” across the nation. The song, which blends English, Yoruba, and Pidgin, accuses the president of “not trying” and making “too many empty promises.”
Addressing the issue of insecurity, Abdulkareem pointedly suggests that Seyi Tinubu should experience the dangers faced by ordinary citizens by travelling by road instead of by private jet.
Broadcast Regulator Cites Violation of Code
The National Broadcast Commission (NBC), the body responsible for issuing licenses and regulating the broadcast industry in Nigeria, issued a directive to all TV and radio stations ordering them to cease playing the song. In a letter, the NBC stated that “Tell Your Papa” violates the country’s broadcast code.
The commission deemed the song’s content to be “inappropriate” and “objectionable,” asserting that it falls short of established public decency standards.
Song On Economic Hardship
Released earlier this week, “Tell Your Papa” has rapidly gained traction on social media within Nigeria, igniting widespread debate concerning the nation’s current economic and security challenges.
President Tinubu’s administration, which assumed office in May 2023, has implemented a series of economic reforms, including the removal of the long-standing fuel subsidy. This decision led to a sharp increase in petrol prices, subsequently impacting the cost of living across the country.
Nigeria experienced an annual inflation rate exceeding 30% for the majority of the previous year, with the prices of essential food items witnessing even more significant increases. This economic strain has forced some Nigerians to reduce their daily meals and overall food consumption.
Adding to the concerns are the persistent issues of insecurity, with kidnapping-for-ransom remaining a significant problem. There are also growing anxieties about a potential resurgence of the Islamist militant group Boko Haram in the north-east region.
Government Defends Policies and Security Record
The Tinubu administration has previously defended its economic policies, arguing that the president’s aim is to establish long-term stability for the nation’s economy. To mitigate the immediate impact of these reforms, the government has implemented an ongoing cash transfer program designed to support 15 million of the country’s most vulnerable households.
Regarding security, the government maintains that the situation has shown improvement over the past 18 months.
NBC’s Authority and Artist’s History of Controversy
As the licensing authority for broadcasters, the NBC possesses the power to impose sanctions on stations that disregard its directives. Historically, the commission has fined stations and even suspended licenses for violations of the broadcast code.
Eedris Abdulkareem is no stranger to controversy and has a history of releasing politically charged music. In 2003, he released his most popular song to date, “Nigeria jaga jaga,” which translates to “Nigeria has spoiled.” The then-President Olusegun Obasanjo reacted strongly to the song, publicly criticising Abdulkareem. Although “Nigeria jaga jaga” was also banned from airplay, it gained immense popularity among Nigerians and became a widely recognised street anthem.
