They say, he whom the gods want to destroy, they first make mad. But let me adjust that for our times: he whom the gods want to destroy, they first make deaf. A leader who becomes deaf to the people is not leading — he’s coasting toward failure.
The recent circular from the NBC banning Eedris Abdulkareem’s new song, “Tell Your Papa,” is, frankly, in bad taste, a knee-jerk reaction and a sign of weakness. A missed opportunity to understand the value that speaking truth-to-power brings — especially when it comes from the street.
As I read the circular, I asked myself: whose interest is this ban really serving?
Let’s be honest — the circular will achieve nothing! NBC may block the song from radio and TV, but it cannot erase it from phones, social media, or people’s minds. And even if it could, it cannot ban the emotion behind it — or the conscience it’s trying to stir.
Music is not just for entertainment. From Fela Kuti to Eedris Abdulkareem, musicians have been the conscience of the street. They say what many cannot. They hold a mirror to power. They document what official reports leave out. That is the gift that comes with music, unfortunately, rulers will only prefer praise-singers
So ask yourself: is Eedris lying? Is there no hunger, no hardship? When people speak of their pains, it is not insubordination or attack, it’s feedback. And feedback — even sharp, uncomfortable feedback — is how strong leaders grow.
I do not believe that President Tinubu, a man who once fought for democracy and prides himself on upholding the rule of law, authorised this circular, for it could be the handiwork of overzealous officials. However, the President should know that democracy without criticism is just dictatorship in better clothes.
I also want to believe that the President’s Son is not involved, otherwise, he must rethink what true loyalty is. Legacy isn’t built by silencing dissent. It’s built by responding to it because real leadership is not about defending power; It is about defending people.
If I were the President’s son, I would know that the best way to help my father wouldn’t be through sycophancy, but by helping him build trust and stay connected to reality.
Mr. President, Nigerians are not asking for miracles. They’re asking for empathy. For fairness. For truth and transparency. And yes, for political leaders to share in the sacrifices too. Why should the burden of reform rest only on the shoulders of already impoverished and overburdened Nigerians?
And the best gift your team can give you is not applause. It is honesty.
Criticism is not rebellion. It is a reflection. The kind that good leaders welcome. The kind that builds better systems.
he Audacity Journal 
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