Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna has expressed dismay over reports that he declared assets to the tune of N90 billion and 40 houses in Abuja in the form he filled with the Code of Conduct Bureau.

Though he threatened to sue The Union, the daily that broke the story, El-Rufai in a statement this afternoon by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, said he was a millionaire in dollars while in his twenties. He was, however, silent on his present worth.

According to the statement, “After a busy few weeks as governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai is dismayed by the blatant falsehood being practiced as journalism by The Union newspapers.”

He consequently directed his legal team to vigorously enforce his rights to protect his reputation from what he termed “the vandalism of irresponsible hacks.”

Aruwan said: “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.”

Mr Aruwan went further to say that, since the reputation of the Governor 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 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.”

•Photo shows Governor El-Rufai.