Recently, Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s song “Tell Your Papa.”
The group labeled this move a blatant violation of free expression, urging President Bola Tinubu to reverse the decision immediately.
The track, which criticizes government leaders, faced censorship after NBC labeled it “Not To Be Broadcast.”
Amnesty argues this reflects authoritarian overreach, stressing Nigerians’ right to voice dissent and access unfiltered information.
By silencing critique, authorities undermine democratic principles without legal justification.
Amnesty International Nigeria also condemned NBC’s use of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, branding it unjust and oppressive.
By weaponizing vague laws, authorities expose their hostility toward dissent, the group stressed.
Furthermore, such censorship directly signals eroding democratic space, Amnesty warned, insisting Nigeria must urgently scrap repressive media policies to safeguard free speech.
Equally alarming, the ban strangles artistic freedom, forcing creators to self-censor and stifling innovation within Nigeria’s vibrant creative sectors
Artists and broadcasters may self-censor to avoid retaliation, stifling cultural expression and public discourse.
Amnesty emphasized that suppressing art weakens democracy and entrenches fear.
Moreover, NBC flagrantly violates Nigeria’s obligations under international treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
These agreements protect free speech, yet the ban erodes this right, isolating Nigeria from international human rights standards.
The organization warned that maintaining the ban risks normalizing censorship, emboldening authorities to target more critical voices.
Already, activists and journalists face escalating threats; this decision exacerbates a hostile environment for dissent.
Amnesty International Nigeria urged President Tinubu’s administration to prioritize constitutional rights over political convenience.
Reversing the ban would demonstrate respect for civil liberties, aligning Nigeria with progressive democracies that champion open dialogue.
As tensions escalate, citizens and civil society groups demand accountability.
Critics condemn the NBC’s arbitrary powers for enabling unchecked free speech suppression, directly contradicting Tinubu’s vows to protect human rights.
This backlash underscores public resistance to authoritarian controls, with many Nigerians rallying behind the artist’s bold critique.
Internationally, pressure mounts as watchdogs monitor Nigeria’s response.
Amnesty’s intervention amplifies global scrutiny, challenging the government to align its actions with its professed democratic values.
Ultimately, this conflict tests Nigeria’s commitment to free expression.
By defending Abdulkareem’s right to criticize leaders, citizens defend their own power to hold authority accountable—a cornerstone of any thriving democracy.
The Tinubu administration now faces a critical choice: uphold constitutional freedoms or enable repression.
Amnesty’s appeal serves as a timely reminder that silencing dissent harms national progress and tarnishes Nigeria’s global standing.
As debates intensify, artists, activists, and ordinary citizens await decisive action.
Restoring the song’s broadcast rights would signal a commitment to justice, fostering trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions during a pivotal moment.