The Song The Nigerian Government Doesn’t Want You To Hear
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On April 6, 2025, Nigerian artist Eedris Abdulkareem released “Tell Your Papa,” a powerful Afrobeats track critiquing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The song resonates with the cries of ordinary Nigerians, highlighting the urgent issues of rising inflation, worsening insecurity, and dashed hopes. However, within days, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) banned the song from radio and television, calling it “inappropriate for broadcast.” Such actions lead us to question the true state of freedom of expression in Nigeria.
The Right To Freedom Of Expression
Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions, receive, and impart information without interference. This right is fundamental to a democratic society. Notably, in the landmark case of *Arthur Nwankwo v. The State (1985)*, the Court of Appeal emphasized that freedom of speech must be protected even when it challenges those in power. Thus, the ban imposed on Abdulkareem is not just a trivial act; it strikes at the very heart of our constitutional liberty.
Music As A Medium For Protest
Throughout history, music has served as a powerful form of resistance and expression. Artists like Fela Kuti and Tupac Shakur have utilized their platforms to challenge oppression and injustice. When the government censors music that reflects societal struggles, it sends a message that dissent is unwelcome, effectively stifling the legitimate grievances of the people. The censorship of “Tell Your Papa” is not merely an attack on one artist; it is an infringement of the collective voice of a nation.
The Chilling Effect Of Censorship
The NBC’s ban on “Tell Your Papa” exemplifies a broader trend of media repression in Nigeria. When artists are silenced, journalists are intimidated, and citizens withdraw into silence, a culture of fear and conformity prevails. This chilling effect leads to self-censorship among artists, cautious reporting by media houses, and a retreat of citizens from the public sphere. Silence, as Dr. King warned, is complicity in injustice.
Public Order vs. Freedom of Expression
While it is true that Section 45(1) of Nigeria’s Constitution allows for limited restrictions on fundamental rights, such restrictions must be narrowly interpreted and justifiable in a democratic society. The misuse of “public order” as a pretext for silencing dissent threatens the very democratic fabric of Nigeria. In the case of *DPP v. Obi (2007)*, the court reinforced that restrictions on fundamental rights must be legally sound and not arbitrary. Utilizing vague claims of “public order” to undermine online activism and protest undermines the rule of law.
International Obligations to Freedom of Expression
Moreover, Nigeria is bound by international obligations, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which both emphasize the importance of freedom of expression. These international agreements necessitate that the same rights enjoyed offline be protected online, as reaffirmed by the UN Human Rights Council Resolution 20/8 (2012).
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Eedris Abdulkareem has urged fans to continue streaming his song online, and many are. The streets may be muted, but the internet remains a battleground for truth. However, the struggle lies not just in one song or one artist; it is about the collective right of Nigerians to express, challenge, and protest.
To question authority is not rebellion; it is a civic responsibility. To suppress truth is not leadership; it is cowardice. The fight for freedom of expression is a fight for our legitimacy as a democratic nation. Therefore, we must stand firm against censorship and uphold our fundamental right to express ourselves freely.
Final Reflection
Are we, as Nigerians, ready to reclaim our voices, or will we allow our silence to become our demise? The state of our democracy depends on our willingness to speak, sing, write, and protest without fear of retribution.
Ornguga Victor Terkaa is a third-year law student at Benue State University, and an Ambassador for Lawglobal Hub and Lawsanaid. He is passionate about legal research, digital rights, and the intersection of law, technology, and social impact.
Victor previously served as Prayer Secretary II of the Christian Law Students Fellowship (2023/2024) and is the founder of the Growthmindset Initiative, a platform dedicated to empowering young people through self discovery and skills development.
