Utomi Blasts Tinubu Government Over NBC Ban of Eedris Abdulkarim’s Protest Song ‘Tell Your Papa’
Story written by SpringsNewsNG Media Limited | April 11, 2025
Renowned political economist and public affairs analyst, Professor Pat Utomi, has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration following the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)’s decision to ban Eedris Abdulkarim’s latest protest song, “Tell Your Papa.”http://National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)’s decision to ban Eedris Abdulkarim’s latest protest song, “Tell Your Papa.”
The NBC declared the track “unfit for broadcast,” sparking national outrage and raising fresh concerns over censorship and the erosion of freedom of expression in Nigeria.
The protest anthem, which went viral after being shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), delivers a scathing critique of Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, rising insecurity, and the perceived disconnect of the ruling elite from the struggles of ordinary citizens.
Eedris Abdulkarim, long known for his fearless political commentary through music, addresses President Tinubu directly in his lyrics, using his son Seyi as a symbolic messenger:
“Seyi, tell your papa country hard. Tell your papa people dey die. Tell your papa this one don pass jagajaga.”
Further, he raps: “Seyi, how far? I swear your papa no try. Too much empty promises… Seyi, try travel by road without your security make you feel the pains of fellow Nigerians.”
Reacting to the NBC’s move, Prof. Utomi posted on his verified X account: “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 the military takeover of Rivers.”
Drawing comparisons with previous administrations, Utomi said that during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, similar protest songs only drew public rebuttals, not state-sanctioned suppression.
“When Eedris sang a similar song, OBJ, all that the former soldier assumed dictator did was abuse Eedris,” Utomi noted.
“Now those who danced with glee when Fela pilloried OBJ are turning to state terror with those whose words do not carry like those of Fela.”
The NBC’s decision has been widely condemned by activists, media experts, and civil rights groups as part of a growing trend of suppressing dissenting voices and curbing artistic freedom.
Utomi concluded with a powerful question that now echoes across the nation: “Are we moving forward or retreating?”
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