Eedris Abdulkareem’s Sharp Criticism of Tinubu Administration in ‘Tell Your Papa’ Provokes NBC Ban

Eedris Abdulkareem’s Sharp Criticism of Tinubu Administration in ‘Tell Your Papa’ Provokes NBC Ban

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a directive preventing Nigerian radio and television stations from playing the song “Tell Your Papa” by veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem, citing concerns about its content.

In a memo dated April 9, 2025, and signed by the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, the commission designated the song as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB) under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. This section prohibits the airing of content considered inappropriate, offensive, or not in line with public decency.

Despite its popularity on social media, the NBC has indicated that the lyrics do not align with responsible broadcasting standards.

The memo, titled “Restriction on Broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem,” states:

“The National Broadcasting Commission has recognized the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem, which has recently gained traction on social media, as content unsuitable for broadcast due to its objectionable nature. Consequently, it has been classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB) in violation of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

“The commission advises that your station use discretion in refraining from airing this song to uphold responsible broadcasting standards. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining these standards.”

Released just earlier this week, the song controversially addresses Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, urging him to discuss pressing socio-economic issues with his father.

In “Tell Your Papa,” shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Abdulkareem critiques the government’s performance, stating starkly:

“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.

“Seyi, how far? I swear your papa no try. Too much empty promises. On behalf of Nigerians, take our message to him; kidnappers dey kill Nigerians.

“Seyi, try travel by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians. You dey fly private jets, insecurity no be your problem.”

The song reportedly drew inspiration from recent comments made by Seyi Tinubu in Adamawa State, where he described his father as “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.”