Eedris Abdulkarim's Song Ban: Pat Utomi and the Fight Against Censorship

Utomi called the NBC's decision to remove the contentious song—which attacks the current residents of Aso Villa—from the airways a "alarming case of censorship and a violation of constitutional freedoms."

The administration of President Bola Tinubu has come under fire from political economist and public affairs expert Prof. Pat Utomi for preventing the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from playing Eedris Abdulkarim's recently released protest song, "Tell Your Papa."

Utomi called the NBC's decision to remove the contentious song—which attacks the current residents of Aso Villa—from the airways a "alarming case of censorship and a violation of constitutional freedoms."

NBC imposed a broadcast restriction on the song, deeming it "objectionable" and "unfit" for public broadcasting on radio and television stations nationwide, according to an earlier report by DoroTV.

Known for his lengthy career of politically charged music, Abdulkareem utilizes the song to depict the nation's deteriorating economic problems, instability, and dysfunctional administration in a depressing way.

The song became popular after being shared on social media site X (previously Twitter) on Sunday. Frustrated Nigerians who feel more and more abandoned by the governing class will find resonance in it.

Abdulkareem raps, "Seyi, tell your papa country hard," in the song. Inform your father that people die. Don't pass jagajaga, tell your papa.

With sharp barbs directed at the president's son's extravagant lifestyle, he goes on: "Seyi, how far? Your papa won't try, I promise. Too many unfulfilled promises. Deliver our message to him on behalf of Nigerians: Nigerians are killed by kidnappers.

Try traveling by road without protection, Seyi. It will make you understand the suffering of your fellow Nigerians. You don't have to worry about vulnerability because you travel private jets.

"I just heard that NBC has banned the broadcast of Eedris Abdulkarim's song critical of Villa incumbents," Utomi wrote on his verified X (previously Twitter) page on Friday in response to the report of the suspension.

"The military takeover of Rivers and this censorship are both constitutional abuses."

Utomi drew historical analogies, recalling that Abdulkarim had also produced a song with a similar level of intensity under the government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

However, the artist simply received verbal criticism instead of official retribution.

"The former soldier said that the tyrant only mistreated Eedris when he performed a similar song, Obj.

Utomi observed, "Those who danced with joy when Fela ridiculed Obj are now resorting to state terror with those whose words do not carry as much weight as Fela's."