As the 2023 general elections draw nearer, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has advised the media not to overheat the polity.

Mr Mohammed gave the advice on Saturday in Ilorin at the wedding reception of his grand-daughter, Toyosi, who got married to Gbolahan Sambo.

In an interview with journalists at the event, Mr Mohammed said the media should see the current season in the country as “the most trying season”.

“As a megaphone to what the politicians say and do, the media should be moderate in discharging their duty.

“Don’t allow yourself to be used by anybody to further aggravate the challenges in the country.

“Don’t just see your duty as reporting hook line and sinker what politicians tell you, but be circumspect of the import and impact of what you release to the public to read.

“You should also understand that the kind of headlines you cast are what inform and educate Nigerians and non -Nigerians in and outside the country,” he said.

He also urged the media to project a positive image of Nigeria, saying it is their responsibility to let the world know that the challenges the country is facing are surmountable.

Underscoring the need for the media to promote peace and cohesion, he said, “it is because we have a country called Nigeria that journalists can practise their profession in peace.”

(NAN)