Veteran Nigerian rapper and activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has revealed that he was offered a N200 million bribe to persist in criticizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration through his music and activism.
In a video shared on his social media page, Eedris claimed that a man identifying himself as a senator reached out to him, offering the money as support for his bold protest track, Tell Your Papa, which has been making waves online.
“So I got a call from one criminal who claimed to be a ‘Honourable’. He didn’t even let me hear his name clearly. When I asked again, he claimed to be a senator,” Eedris said in the video.
“He told me he was in a meeting with Seyi Tinubu and other government officials.
“He said, ‘They’re going to call and bribe you, but don’t listen to them. We’ll be sponsoring you underground.’ I told him straight up I wasn’t interested.”
The rapper went on to reject the N200 million offer, warning the caller and those behind the proposal to stay away from him.
“You think you can use me for a caricature? You people are mad. I’ve been ready for you all for a long time,” he added in the video
The song Tell Your Papa, which openly criticizes the current administration, was officially banned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on April 10.
The ban, however, has sparked widespread criticism from various human rights and creative industry groups.
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) denounced the decision, warning that it could backfire and actually boost the song’s popularity, especially in light of the nation’s ongoing economic struggles.
Echoing this sentiment, the Media Rights Agenda labeled the ban an abuse of regulatory power.
Ayomide Eweje, Programme Officer at Media Rights Agenda, stated: “The NBC has completely misunderstood its role. It’s behaving more like a propaganda instrument than an impartial media regulator.”