El-Rufai to sue publication over N90bn asset claim

Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai is set to sue a publication, The Union for claiming that he had declared N90bn in assets.
The report, which was published on July 2, 2015, further claimed that El-Rufai had admitted to owning 40 mansions, all of which are located in Abuja.

In response, the governor said, via a statement released by media aide, Samuel Aruwan, that he had directed his legal team to “vigorously enforce his rights to protect his reputation.”

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.”

Since assuming office, El-Rufai has taken various steps, such as slashing his salary, to reduce the cost of governance in Kaduna.