‘Unreconciled, not missing’: Presidency denies it confirmed ‘sensational reports’ about NNPC’s ‘missing’ $10 billion

The Presidency, on Tuesday, denied suggestions that President Goodluck Jonathan confirmed accusations that $10 billion emanating from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was missing from the federation account, as widely reported in the press.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati in Abuja, he described the reports was completely false, and a total distortion of the president’s comments, said to be made during a meeting with the Nigerian community in the Netherlands.
According to the Presidential spokesman, “At no time during the well-attended reception did President Jonathan 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 the 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:
“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,” he stated.
He added (for good measure): “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.”
Which gets us thinking, what is the difference between ‘unreconciled’ and ‘missing’?