I was offered N200m to criticize Tinubu -Rapper Eedris Abdulkareem

Veteran Nigerian rapper and activist Eedris Abdulkareem has alleged that he was offered a N200 million bribe to persist in his criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration through his music and public statements.

The controversial artiste made the claim on his social media page, where he detailed an encounter with an individual who identified himself as a senator.

According to Abdulkareem, the unnamed caller claimed to be in a meeting with Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, and other government officials when he reached out.

The rapper stated that the individual told him, “They’re going to call and bribe you, but don’t listen to them. We’ll be sponsoring you underground.”

Abdulkareem, however, rejected the offer outright, warning the caller and those behind the proposal to stay away from him.

The incident is tied to Abdulkareem’s recent protest song, Tell Your Papa, which has gained significant attention for its sharp criticism of the Tinubu administration. The track was banned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on April 10, sparking backlash from civil society groups and artist associations.

The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) condemned the ban, arguing that it could inadvertently increase the song’s popularity amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.

Similarly, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) criticized the NBC’s decision, describing it as an abuse of regulatory power. Ayomide Eweje, Programme Officer at MRA, stated, “The NBC has completely misunderstood its role. It is acting more like a propaganda tool than a neutral media regulator.”

Abdulkareem, known for his outspoken stance on political issues, remained defiant in his video message, declaring, “You think you can use me for a caricature? You people are mad. I’ve been ready for you all for a long time.”

The rapper’s allegations have stirred further debate about freedom of expression and the use of financial incentives to sway public opinion in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Amnesty International protests ban

Diaspora Digital Media understands that Amnesty International has strongly condemned the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) decision to ban Eedris Abdulkareem’s protest song “Tell Your Papa”. The organization described the move as a clear violation of fundamental human rights and an abuse of regulatory power.

According to Amnesty International, the ban, which categorized the song as “Not To Be Broadcast” due to its critical tone towards the government, is an infringement on the right to freedom of expression and access to information.

The rights group called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action by instructing the NBC to lift the ban. “The song’s criticism of those in power is not grounds for censorship,” Amnesty International stated, emphasizing that Nigerians have a legal and moral right to express dissent and to hear dissenting voices.

Amnesty International also questioned the legal basis for the ban, stating that there is no legal justification for prohibiting the song from being aired on radio and television. The organization criticized the NBC’s reliance on the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, describing it as “deeply flawed”.

The rights group warned that the decision signals growing intolerance for opposing views within Nigeria and is a threat to media freedom. “Such actions represent an increasing intolerance of dissenting voices in Nigeria,” the statement read.

Amnesty International urged President Tinubu’s administration to “act swiftly and reverse the ban to avoid further promoting censorship and creating a climate of fear and repression”.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government and NBC, demanding an immediate reversal of the broadcast ban on “Tell Your Papa”.

The ban has been met with strong backlash from several rights and arts groups, with many condemning the NBC’s decision as an attempt to stifle free speech and creativity.

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