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, Samuel Aruwan 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

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