- Amnesty International has criticized NBC for banning Eedris Abdulkareem’s track "Tell Your Papa," deeming it a breach of free speech and an exercise of undue authority.
- The organization contended that the prohibition has no solid legal basis and mirrors an increasing disregard for opposition views under the Tinubu government.
- Amnesty cautioned that this action might suppress artists and media outlets, appealing to President Tinubu to rescind the ban and safeguard Nigeria’s civil liberties.
Amnesty International Nigeria has criticized the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for banning the airing of veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s politically themed track, “Tell Your Papa.” They described this action as an "unwarranted assault on freedom of expression."
The contentious prohibition has ignited widespread protests, with Amnesty characterizing the action as a misuse of authority and indicative of escalating intolerance toward opposition under President Bola Tinubu’s government.
“Violation of Fundamental Rights”
On Friday, April 11, Amnesty International issued a forcefully worded statement asserting that labeling "Tell Your Papa" as "Not To Be Broadcast" solely due to its criticism of government officials and policies is unconstitutional.
The outright prohibition by NBC against airing Eedris Abdulkareem's track 'Tell Your Papa' constitutes a clear infringement on the right to freedom of expression, encompassing the entitlement to access information.
"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu needs to promptly instruct the NBC to revoke this unusual ban, as it infringes upon several human rights," stated the rights organization.
“No Legal Justification”
Amnesty International additionally contended that there is no legitimate legal ground for such an action, maintaining that the Nigerian Broadcasting Code referenced is "highly defective and contentious."
"Citing the broadcast regulations to support this prohibition demonstrates an unprecedented disregard for divergent opinions. Nigerians possess the entitlement to obtain information and communicate their thoughts unencumbered—particularly via music, as it has traditionally served as a medium for societal critique and defiance," the organization highlighted.
“Artists Are Being Silenced”
The rights group likewise cautioned that this step might convey a intimidating signal to creators, reporters, and various media outlets throughout the nation.
This crackdown on artistic expression serves as a grim reminder that artists face the danger of being suppressed," Amnesty declared. "There is no justification for stifling creative liberty.
The organization also noted that this unjustified and illegal move was expected to deter radio and TV stations from broadcasting politically charged material, thereby reducing Nigeria’s public sphere even more.
Nigeria Failing Its Own Promises
Amnesty pointed out Nigeria’s commitments under international law, stating that the NBC’s actions conflict with the treaties the nation has ratified.
"The ban on the song goes against Nigeria’s commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights," the statement noted.
Call for Immediate Reversal
Amnesty International is urging the Tinubu administration to lift the ban and protect the basic human rights of Nigerian citizens.
"It’s not too late for President Tinubu to take action. Repealing the ban would help avoid setting a hazardous precedent that could lead to increased censorship and rising fears of suppression," the organization recommended.
As the public discourse intensifies regarding the ban, numerous Nigerians on social media platforms have voiced their agreement with Amnesty’s stance, alleging that the government is trying to suppress dissenting opinions covertly.