Zamfara Commissioner of Information and Culture, Alhaji Mannir Haidara, has cautioned against attempts by some politicians to tarnish the image of Governor Dauda Lawal and his administration.

In a statement issued on Monday, Haidara condemned recent statements tarnishing the image of Governor Lawal’s administration, which he alleged were issued by some media veterans in the state.

“The state government noticed with dismay that some media veterans have been engaged by politicians to blackmail the state government to achieve their negative and selfish interests,” Haidara said.

He described it as “very unfortunate” for veteran journalists to “venture into mischief-making” after attaining management positions in the media industry.

Haidara also said that the “valueless statement” written by some media veterans on the present administration in the state and the personality of the governor was “unfortunate.”

“This is very unfortunate with a valueless statement written by some veterans in the media industry, dwelling on issues centered around the present administration in the state and personality of Gov. Dauda Lawal.

“I did not intend to comment on the unfounded allegations against our government but it has become necessary for me to give the fact to the general public

“We are all aware that when Lawal took over as the governor of the state, the security challenges were already escalated and all socio-economic developments grounded.

“Kidnapping, cattle rustling and other heinous crimes became rampant in all the nooks and crannies of the state,” he said.

Haidara urged the media to be objective in their reportage and not allow politicians use them to achieve their selfish interests.