Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai who allegedly declared N90
Billion and 40 Mansion has directed his lawyers to sue The Union
Newspapers which first published report of his asset declaration.
El-Rufai through his Media Aide, Mr. Samuel Aruwan said the story is a
mere rumor and a blackmail against the Governor.
He said in a press statement that El-Rufai had been a Millionaire in
Dollars in his twenties and a respected professional but does not have
N90Billion or 40 Mansions in Abuja.
The Statement reads:
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