Racism: Seplat’s embattled CEO to discharge duties from UK office, as Board dismisses allegation

Oredola Adeola

The Board of Directors and Management of Seplat Energy Plc has insisted that Mr. Roger Brown, its Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director will continue to discharge his duties from the company’s United Kingdom office, while also dismissing the allegations levelled against him as unfounded.

EnergyDay had in a report published early revealed that the company’s embattled CEO was accused of favouring foreign workers and discriminating against Nigerian employees of the company while also possessing a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) contrary to valid expatriate quota.

The Nigerian Ministry of Interior had in a letter seen by our correspondent alleged Mr Roger of failing to honour invitations by the ministry’s panel, which investigated the matter.

According to the statement, “Seplat Energy wishes to refute the false allegations against Mr. Brown, which have been presented to the Ministry of Interior and the public by certain petitioners and which have not been brought to the attention of Mr. Roger Brown or Seplat Energy for a reaction.

Seplat said the orchestrated media reports were clearly calculated to spread false information and that the company will be engaging with the ministry to reject the impressions created by these allegations.

It stated that the Management Board believed that the allegations are a spurious and vindictive reaction to the enforcement of corporate governance standards in the company by the Board of Seplat Energy.

It said, “Over the past decade, 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 Brown, who continues to discharge his duties and responsibilities as CEO from the Seplat UK office”, the statement added.