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Racism: Seplat CEO Roger Brown Obeys Court’s Order, Hands Over To Nigerian

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Roger Brown, the CEO of Seplat Energy PLC, has stepped down in line with an order from the Federal High court in Lagos.

Roger Brown is accused of discrimination against Nigerians, preference for foreign employees, racism, and a breach of good governance.

To prevent Brown and others from taking advantage of the company’s stakeholders while the litigation was still pending, the court issued an order requiring them to refrain from impersonating themselves as top ranking officers of the company.

Naija News recalls that the Ministry of Interior has suspended Brown’s employment permit, visa, and residency status as a result of claims of racism and prejudice against him.

The displeased parties had presented a petition written by Seplat employees to the Interior Minister against Brown, as well as a letter from the Interior Minister informing the company of the ministry’s decision about the petition.

In a letter dated March 3, 2023, the Ministry of Interior informed the chairman of Seplat’s board of its decision to revoke Brown’s employment permit, visa, and residence status.

The ministry accused the British national of turning down invitations extended to him in a letter revoking Brown’s visa, work permit, and residency permit.

In the latest development on Friday, March 10, the embattled CEO stated that Mr. Samson Ezugwore, the company’s chief operating officer, has been given the right to function as the CEO in a statement signed by Basil Omiyi, the chairman of Seplat’s board.

According to the statement, Seplat has received the ex parte ruling from Judge Chukwuejekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos, Nigeria, “restraining the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Roger Brown from engaging in the management of the Company [for 7 days]”.

According to Seplat Energy, the allegations against the Chairman, CEO, and each Independent Non-Executive Director served as the foundation for the court order.

The CEO is accused of terminating several catering and landscaping contracts, planning a site visit for many significant shareholders, and introducing a new work performance rating system.

According to Seplat Energy, Nigerians have been appointed to the most important roles inside the company since Roger became CEO in 2020, including Chairman, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operational Officer.

The board asserted that the accusations thrown at it were in response to its adherence to the principles of good corporate governance and dedication to honoring its fiduciary duties to the company.

The statement read in parts, “The Order allows the Chairman, Mr. Basil Omiyi, and all the INEDS of Seplat Energy to continue running the affairs of the Company on the basis that it is by Nigerian law.

“Mr. Brown has delegated authority to Mr. Samson Ezugwore, Chief Operating Officer, to act as CEO during the period that he is required to step back from his executive duties.

“Seplat will follow the due processes of law in responding to the allegations before the courts. At the same time, the Company will continue to maintain its operational excellence and act in line with the best corporate governance standards.”

The matter was adjourned, and the hearing for the current application was set for March 23, 2023.