Seplat Energy has refuted racism allegation against its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Roger Brown.

Some workers of the company, through a petition to the Ministry of Interior, had reportedly accused Brown of racism, favouring foreign workers and discriminating against Nigerian employees.

In a letter dated March 3, 2023, which was addressed to the Board Chairman of Seplat Energy,  Basil Omiyi, and signed by  Akinola Adesina for the Minister, the Ministry of Interior  had informed the company of the revocation of Brown’s Work Permit, Visa, and Residence Permit.

The letter read: “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 companies 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.

“Investigation and records in the Ministry also revealed that Mr. Roger Brown was in possession of CERPAC that was not based on validly issued Expatriate Quota approved by the Ministry of Interior resulting to the violation of relevant Immigration Laws and Regulations. As a result of these, the Honourable Minister has determined that Mr. Brown’s continued stay in Nigeria is contrary to national interest.

“Consequently, the Ministry has withdrawn the Work Permit CERPAC, Visa, Residence Permit and all relevant documents that authorised Mr.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.”

Refuting the allegations against Brown in a statement made available to Majorrwaves in Lagos, Seplat  absolved its CEO of any wrong doing.

The company stated that the petitioners did not bring the allegations to the attention of Seplat and Brown, adding that it would engage the Ministry of Interior on the matter.

According to Seplat, Brown will continue to carry out his responsibilities as the CEO of the company from its UK office.

“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,” the statement said.

“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. The orchestrated media reports are clearly calculated to spread false information. 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.

“This announcement is made pursuant to Rule 17.10 of the Rulebook of the Nigerian Exchange, 2015 (Issuer’s Rule),” the statement added.