Seplat Energy Plc has reacted to allegations of racism, favouring of foreign workers, and discriminating against Nigerian employees levelled against its embattled Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Roger Brown, by employees of the company.
Recall, THE WITNESS reported that the Federal Government had revoked Brown’s visa due to several allegations made against him by the workers. Seplat employees had accused Brown of racism according to the Nigerian government, that he was reportedly favouring the foreign employees of the firm. It was also disclosed that Brown discriminates against Nigerian workers and flouted the Expatriate Quota by having a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC).
But in a statement signed by Seplat’s chairman, Basil Omiyi, made available to THE WITNESS on Thursday, the company described the allegations as false and passed a vote of confidence in the CEO.
The statement further noted that company’s CEO, Brown, will discharge his duties from Seplat United Kingdom (UK) office.
The statement reads: “Seplat Energy Plc has become aware of a news report following a letter regarding the residency status of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Roger Brown.
“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 Energy will be engaging with the Ministry to reject the impressions created by these allegations.
“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.
“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.”