The Nigerian leader, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, this evening clarified reports that he had confirmed the sum of $10 billion as being unremitted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The President, who claimed to have been misquoted on the issue, however admitted quoting

the country’s Finance Ministry as saying that “they had not been able to reconcile only 10 billion dollars.” He also admitted saying that “there are issues in NNPC but we are on it.”

Below is the text of the President’s reaction as contained in a statement issued by his spokesman, Reuben Abati:

‘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.’

•Photo shows President Jonathan.