By Laide Akinboade

 ABUJA—The Federal Government yesterday warned broadcast stations to desist from taking sides in reporting the forthcoming 2011 election.

Director General of Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Engr. Yomi Bolarinwa, who stated this while addressing newsmen on the 18th anniversary of the commission, said the media was a very powerful tool in disseminating information to the public and must not take sides.

According to him, “we all know how powerful the media is, there is every need to guard against taking sides in our coverage of political activities.

“Taking sides is unprofessional, it will cause us to lose credibility and become the casualty of the war for votes by politicians.”

“To safeguard against such incidences, Nigeria Broadcasting Code has professionally and internationally acceptable guidelines on political broadcast during electioneering campaigns. And the commission is ready to enforce the provision of the code.