El Rufai to sue over claims he declared N90bn and 40 houses as his assets

So earlier today a certain media platform, The Union,
reported that Kaduna state governor, Mallam Nasir El
Rufai had declared N90 billion and 40 houses in the FCT
as his assets before the Code of Conduct Bureau.

"Governor Nasir ElRufai of Kaduna State has declared
his asset. He is worth N90 billion. The governor’s
assets declaration came as a big shock to most Kaduna
residents yesterday as he allegedly declared ownership
of 40 mansions, most of which are located in Abuja.
Kaduna State Director Code of Conduct Bureau, George
David, however, declined to comment when contacted."
The Union wrote

Reacting to the publication, El-Rufai, through his media
aide, described it as false and says they will be suing
the publishers. Find the statement signed by the
governor's media aide after the cut..
After a busy few weeks as governor, Malam Nasir El-
Rufai is dismayed by the blatant falsehood being
practised as journalism by The Union newspapers. He
has consequently directed his legal team to vigorously
enforce his rights to protect his reputation from the
vandalism of irresponsible hacks.

The Union chose to write a spurious story alleging N90b
as his assets declaration without seeing the declaration
made by Malam El Rufai.

The circle of blackmail that did the story claimed they
heard a rumour, and they pursued the rumour so
vigorously they transformed it into news. When some of
their cohorts made contact with the governor’s media
team insisting that they respond to rumour, they were
told that it is better if they chose the more legitimate
route of agitating for a public asset declaration.

Fair minded people who read the story will notice that it
is not grounded in any evidence. It is just the animus of
blackmailers who regard Malam Nasir El-Rufai as easy
prey. But since his reputation is not based on purchased
kudos, he cannot be compelled into accommodation
with venal people masquerading as journalists.

Malam Nasir El-Rufai is a privileged Nigerian. He
qualified as a chartered Quantity Surveyor early in life
and became a dollar millionaire in his twenties. He is a
respected leader in in his professional field but as
successful as he has been in his career, he certainly has
neither N90 billion nor 40 mansions.
He will not be distracted from his total focus on making
Kaduna great again. In this endeavour, he will continue
to be accessible to practitioners of responsible
journalism.
Samuel Aruwan
Special Assistant, Media
02 July 2015