Nigeria and the Eclipse of Press Freedom
Understanding Press Freedom
Press freedom means the right to communicate and express ideas through various media without interference. It includes printed and electronic forms of communication and protects both the media and the public’s right to information.
Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights grants everyone the right to hold opinions and to seek, receive, and share information without interference. Similarly, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guarantees media freedom.
In Nigeria, Section 39(1) of the Constitution protects freedom of expression, including the right to operate any medium for sharing information. However, this right comes with legal restrictions, especially for television and radio stations.
Legal Framework and Regulation
The National Assembly, using Section 39(2), created the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) through the NBC Act. NBC regulates media content. While societies must maintain peace and order, any media regulation should remain fair and justifiable in a democracy.
Increasing Suppression of Dissent
The government and its agencies have repeatedly interfered with press freedom. In April 2025, NBC banned the song “Tell Your Papa” by activist musician Eedris Abdulkareem, claiming it was inappropriate. However, the song criticized the government and addressed real economic hardships Nigerians face.
Abdulkareem has a history of protest music. In 2004, he released Nigeria Jaga Jaga under President Obasanjo’s rule. In 2018, he released Letter to Obasanjo, criticizing the former president. These protest songs mirror the style of Fela Kuti, who used music to challenge government corruption.
Other Recent Incidents of Media Suppression
In February 2024, the Niger State Ministry of Education threatened a student’s coach after a pupil criticized President Tinubu during a school debate.
In March 2025, authorities at Delta State College of Nursing threatened Osato Edobor, a student nurse, for sharing a video during the First Lady’s visit. Students in the video subtly rejected the idea of referring to the First Lady as “our mummy.” Following public outrage, the school withdrew its threat.
In the same month, Miss Ushie Uguamaye, a youth corps member, posted a TikTok video expressing her frustration about the economy. She faced threats but later alleged that the NYSC authorities intimidated her—an allegation they denied.
Also, in November 2024, thugs abducted Hamdiyya Shariff, an 18-year-old from Sokoto State, after she spoke out against insecurity. They beat her and threw her from a tricycle, showing the extreme risks of expressing dissent.
Abdulkareem’s Message to the Government
Abdulkareem used his song to respond to Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, who claimed that President Tinubu was Nigeria’s best president. The song criticized Seyi for being disconnected from ordinary Nigerians’ struggles due to his privileged position.
Abdulkareem challenged Seyi to travel by road instead of using private jets to experience the poor condition of Nigerian roads and the threat of kidnappers. He condemned the government’s poverty-alleviation strategy of distributing palliatives, calling it a form of manipulation.
Echoing Public Frustration
Abdulkareem’s lyrics reflect the reality many Nigerians face. He criticized the worsening economy, lack of electricity, and increasing suicide rates due to hunger and hardship. He pointed out that while the Minister of Power discourages the use of fridges and air conditioners, the President enjoys solar power in Aso Villa.
He also addressed the controversial Band A electricity tariff, calling it exploitative and unfair.
A Cry for Good Governance
In his song, Abdulkareem decried the lack of progress two years into Tinubu’s presidency. He highlighted unfulfilled campaign promises and questioned the government’s spending priorities, such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, which diverts resources from more urgent local infrastructure.
He accused telecom companies and banks of exploiting customers with government backing and blamed the judiciary for its compromised integrity.
The Need to Embrace Free Speech
Abdulkareem clarified that he is not attacking the President personally but speaking on behalf of suffering Nigerians. He promised to acknowledge any future improvement by the administration.
Suppressing free speech while expecting silence from the people is unjust. Citizens have a constitutional right to freedom of expression and fair hearing under Section 36(1). The government must stop criminalizing dissent and instead engage with critics to improve governance.
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