By Dipo Olowookere
One of the leading energy firms in Nigeria, Seplat Energy Plc, has reacted to news reports that the visa, work and residence permits of its chief executive, Mr Roger Brown, have been revoked by the federal government.
The permits were withdrawn by the Nigerian government over allegations that Mr Brown was favouring foreigners at the company over Nigerians.
“I write to inform you that the Ministry is in receipt of a petition from the Solicitor to the concerned workers and stakeholders of Seplat Energy PLC accusing Mr Rogers Thomson Brown, the CEO of the company, of various allegations.
“These accusations include racism, favouring foreign workers and discriminating against Nigerian employees. Testimony was received from several witnesses, which supported the allegations. Mr Roger T. Brown declined to attend despite two invitations, claiming to be unavailable even though we learnt he was in Abuja for other purposes at the time.
“Consequently, the Ministry has withdrawn the Work Permit CERPAC, Visa, Residence Permit and all relevant documents that authorised Mr Roger Thomson Brown’s entry or stay in Nigeria,” a letter addressed to the board of Seplat and signed by the Director for Citizenship and Business at the Ministry of Interior, Mr Akinola Adesina, stated.
But Seplat, in a response made available to Business Post, refuted the allegations, emphasising that the CEO was accused of the wrongdoing because of his insistence on compliance with corporate governance in the company.
“The board believes that these allegations are a spurious and vindictive reaction to the enforcement of corporate governance standards in the company by the Board of Seplat Energy,” the statement said, stressing that the firm would engage “the Ministry to reject the impressions created by these allegations.”
“Over the past decade, Mr Brown has earned an unblemished record of service and leadership in the company.
“On 8th March 2023, the Board of Seplat Energy unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Mr Brown, who continues to discharge his duties and responsibilities as CEO from the SEPLAT UK office,” the statement reportedly authorised by the Independent Chairman, Mr Basil Omiyi, on behalf of the entire board of Seplat, stated.
