Kaduna state governor, Mallam Nasir El Rufai has slammed claims he declared his assets to be worth N90
billion and 40 houses in the Abuja. A publication The Union claimed this was listed at the Code of Conduct
Bureau..
According to a statement signed by the governor's media aide, Samuel Aruwan,it is blatant falsehood and
they plan to sue.
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
