I Did Not Say NNPC Withheld N10 Billion From Federation Account-Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has denied confirming that $10 Billion has
been withheld from the Federation Account by the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, describing the publications in some domestic
media as “false and a distortion.”

A statement signed by Presidential Spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati also said
at no time did the president confirmed any irregularities in NNPC.

The statement reads:

“Reports in some domestic media today which quoted President Goodluck
Jonathan as “confirming” in Amsterdam that the Nigerian National Petroleum
Corporation (NNPC) wrongly withheld $10 Billion from the federation
account  are completely false and a total distortion of the President’s
comments during his meeting with the Nigerian community in the
Netherlands.

“At no time during the well-attended reception did President Jonathan also
confirm any “irregularities” in the NNPC.

“Sensational reports in the media to that effect are reckless, mischievous
and unprofessional misrepresentations of the President’s restatement to
the Nigerian community of the Federal Government’s position on the
allegation that $20 Billion is “missing” from the NNPC or the Federation
Account, by reporters who were not at the event or even in Holland at all.

“President Jonathan’s verifiable words while responding to questions from
members of the community on the allegation and other domestic issues were
clear and unambiguous.

“After asserting that allegation that various sums – $49.8 Billion, $12
Billion or $20 Billion – were missing are inconsistent and lacked
credence, the President’s exact words were as follows:

“As at the time, the Finance Ministry was saying they had not been able to
reconcile only 10 billion dollars. There are issues in NNPC but we are on
it.”

“President Jonathan went on to say that to reassure Nigerians of  his
administration’s continued commitment to openness, transparency and
probity in the aftermath of the unsubstantiated allegations, the Federal
Government had authorised a professional forensic audit of NNPC accounts
to clear the air.

“The Presidency deplores the mischievous and unethical distortion of his
comments in the media today.

“Once again, we urge the media to show greater regard for truth and
accuracy when reporting on the President.”