On July 2, 2015, a Lagos-based newspaper The Union, published a story in which it said “Governor Nasir ElRufai of Kaduna State has declared his assets. He is worth N90bn.
“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.
“He said the law on asset declaration permitted public office holders not to make their asset declaration public.”
“The governor’s Adviser on Media and Communication, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed that the governor had declared his assets but promised to get back to journalists with details. As at press time, he never did.” the Union said on July 2, 2015.
In a swift response, el-Rufai sued the newspaper.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser Media, Samuel Aruwan, el-Rufai directed his legal team to “vigorously enforce his rights to protect his reputation from vandalism of irresponsible hacks”
The case was brought before Justice M. L Muhammad of the Kaduna High Court on July 29, 2015.
Justice Muhammad gave both parties till May 18 2016, to settle out of court, or trial will commence immediately.
Attempts to reach an agreement hit a snag when el-Rufai’s lawyer, Barrister Kozah, demanded a full refutal from The Union, in three editions of its newspaper.
The newspaper refused, and is now set for trial.
Sources in Kaduna have revealed, that all is being done by el-Rufai, to find an out of court settlement, as full disclosure looms if the case goes to trial, a risk he is not willing to take.
Attempts to reach the el-Rufai’s Special Assistant on Media, Samuel Aruwan, to confirm the report proved abortive as calls were not answered, and text messages sent were not replied.
Courtesy: The Brief Ng
Eze Afrika
