Victoria Mbangwa
The global human rights watchdog condemned the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)’s decision to prohibit the politically charged song from airing, calling it “unlawful, arbitrary, and deeply worrying.”
The National Broadcasting Commission’s blatant ban of broadcasting Eedris Abdulkareem’s song Tell Your Papa is a clear violation of freedom of expression, which includes the right to obtain information,” Amnesty International said, accusing the commission of wielding censorship as a weapon against dissent.
The controversial song, which takes direct aim at Nigeria’s leadership while spotlighting the deepening economic and social woes under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, was recently classified as “Not To Be Broadcast” by the NBC, citing provisions in the Nigerian Broadcasting Code.
“Categorizing the song as ‘Not To Be Broadcast’ for solely being critical of the government and people in power is an abuse of power and is unacceptable,”the group fired back.
Amnesty International warned that the move could set a dangerous precedent, not only stifling artistic expression but also undermining Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights treaties like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“This clampdown on artistic freedom is an appalling reminder that artists are at the risk of being silenced. Nothing can justify suffocating creativity,” the group stated, noting that the ban could have a “chilling effect” on media houses and content creators across the country.
Amnesty also called on President Tinubu to “immediately direct the NBC to lift the bizarre ban,” warning that failure to do so could embolden further crackdowns on freedom of expression.
“Citing the deeply flawed and problematic Nigerian Broadcasting Code to justify the ban shows a new level of intolerance of dissenting voices,” the statement continued.
The group reiterated its call for urgent reforms to the NBC’s regulatory framework, describing it as a longstanding tool for stifling critical voices.
“It is not too late for President Bola Tinubu’s government to withdraw the ban which will have the sad repercussion of promoting censorship and generating a new wave of fear of repression,” Amnesty warned.
As of press time, neither the NBC nor President Tinubu has responded to Amnesty’s condemnation, leaving many wondering whether the government will walk back what critics are calling a blatant act of repression or double down on silencing dissent.
