Renowned political economist and public affairs analyst, Professor Pat Utomi, has blasted the Tinubu administration over the ban on Eedris Abdulkarim’s protest track “Tell Your Papa”, calling it a flagrant act of censorship and a betrayal of constitutional freedoms.
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) had earlier this week issued a broadcast ban on the song, labeling it “unfit” for public airplay — a move that has since drawn widespread condemnation.
ABDULKARIM’S MESSAGE: A NATION IN DISTRESS
Abdulkarim, long known for his fiery political commentary through music, paints a raw, sobering picture of Nigeria’s current state. In “Tell Your Papa,” he delivers sharp criticism of President Tinubu’s administration and the opulent lifestyle of his son, Seyi Tinubu, in the face of growing hardship across the country.
“Seyi, tell your papa, country hard. Tell your papa, people dey die… too much empty promises.”
The song, which exploded on social media after being shared on X (formerly Twitter), has become an anthem of frustration among Nigerians grappling with poverty, insecurity, and unfulfilled promises.
UTOMI: “THIS IS AN ABUSE OF POWER”
Reacting on Friday via his verified X account, Prof. Utomi condemned the NBC’s action, likening it to the military-style suppression of free speech.
“Just heard NBC has banned the broadcast of Eedris Abdulkarim’s song critical of Villa incumbents. This censorship is an abuse of the constitution — as bad as the military takeover in Rivers.”
Utomi questioned the democratic trajectory of Nigeria, asking: “Are we moving forward or retreating?”
Drawing parallels to past administrations, he recalled that even under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Abdulkarim’s provocative lyrics were met only with criticism — not government censorship.
“When Eedris sang a similar song under OBJ, all the former soldier did was abuse him. Now, those who once danced when Fela fired at Obasanjo have become the new tyrants.”
GROWING TREND OF ARTISTIC REPRESSION
Critics say the NBC’s move fits a broader pattern of state attempts to silence dissenting voices in media, art, and music — an alarming trend under a democracy.
For many, “Tell Your Papa” is more than a song; it’s a mirror held up to power. The ban, they argue, only proves its message true.
