Rights Group Slams NBC Over Song Ban

Rights advocacy organisation International Rights has criticised the Nationwide Broadcasting Fee (NBC) for banning the printed of Eedris Abdulkareem’s protest music “Inform Your Papa” on Nigerian radio and tv stations.

The group demanded that the ban be instantly rescinded and a public apology issued. It additional known as on the Tinubu administration to stop all actions undermining free speech and democratic values.

In a press release issued by Damilola Decker, Programme Officer for Civic Area at International Rights, the group mentioned NBC’s failure to supply any authorized or affordable justification for the ban means that the transfer is politically motivated moderately than regulatory. The music, which critiques President Tinubu’s management and coverage failures, seems to have been focused solely for its crucial message—one thing International Rights described as unacceptable in a democracy.

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“The ban will not be solely undemocratic but additionally unconstitutional,” the assertion learn. “Part 39 of the Nigerian Structure ensures freedom of expression. Moreover, Article 19 of the Worldwide Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory, upholds this proper by way of any media of selection. The NBC’s motion contravenes each home regulation and worldwide obligations.”

Referencing Nigeria’s controversial 2019 Twitter ban—dominated illegal by the ECOWAS Court docket of Justice—International Rights warned that such acts additional tarnish the nation’s democratic picture.

The group additionally cited current instances of repression, together with that of Ushie Uguamaye, a Nationwide Youth Service Corps member allegedly intimidated for criticising Tinubu, and 18-year-old Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff, who was arrested in Sokoto after posting a TikTok video on rising insecurity. Her prosecution, they mentioned, represents one other assault on freedom of expression.

“The strategies might differ—by way of courts, censorship, or arbitrary arrests—however the purpose is similar: silence dissent and punish critics,” the assertion mentioned.

International Rights issued 4 key calls for: the fast reversal of the music ban and a public apology from NBC; defiance of the directive by media homes; an finish to Ms Shariff’s prosecution and her launch; and a name for the Tinubu administration to recommit to democratic norms.

“President Tinubu has lengthy claimed to be a democrat. It’s time to show it,” the group concluded. “In a democracy, criticism will not be a menace however a proper. Nigerians won’t be silenced.”