This is Nigeria ban: Rights body demands reversal

“The NBC is adopting vague rules of vulgarity and indecency to undermine freedom of expression, right to information and opinion,” reads a statement by the body.

“By banning the radio station from playing the songs, the NBC is not only undermining and harming the station but also undermining everyone’s right to information, public participation and open and democratic governance.”

SERAP was established in 2004 and has, as said by the body’s executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, “worked to hold the government to account through the framework of human rights and anti-corruption laws and standards”. Over the years, the body has tackled and petitioned several organs of the Nigerian government over breaches of human rights and other issues.

Its interest in the current case places the body in the ranks of a large group of Internet users who have decried the NBC’s ban.

“Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party includes the right of individuals to criticise or openly and publicly evaluate their governments without fear of interference or punishment,” SERAP writes.

“It is important for the NBC to strive to promote diversity of views, and the media’s importance as a platform for public debate about important matters of public interest and ideas. Censorship or impermissible restrictions in the exercise of media freedom and freedom of expression can restrict free circulation of ideas and opinions and impose obstacles to the free flow of information.”

The Muslim Rights Concern, an Islamic body that had previously threatened to sue Falz, has already taken responsibility for instigating the ban.

“We asked Falz to withdraw the video or we would sue him,” says a statement from the body. “Instead of showing remorse he dared us. We knew he could delay the court case for years because he is a lawyer and he would use every trick in the books to frustrate us. That was why he was boasting. Therefore, instead of going to court, we decided to ambush him by sending a petition to the video board. This week, the NBC banned the video and others like it.

“He should be the one to go to court now if he likes. Let him go and show how brilliant he is in court. He and his fans laughed at us when we complained about his provocative and vulgar video. But there is no doubt that he who laughs last laughs best. It is hoped that Nigerian artists will borrow a leaf from this episode.”

Falz has said he would consider taking the NBC to court to contest the ban.