By Evelyn Usman

A group under the auspices of Corporate Governance and Pro-Development Group, Greater Nigeria Renaissance Group , GNRG have raised the alarm over ongoing moves by some individuals fanning the embers of hatred and disunity in Seplat Energy Plc.

This is coming less than two weeks to GNRG ‘s Quarterly State of The Nation Review slated for Friday, March 31, 2023, during which it will, among other agenda, review the state of notable corporations operating in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Mr Omife Ike, the group noted with dismay that the hitherto tranquil environment at Seplat had been polluted by the antics of some persons outside the organization whom he alleged was being instigated .

He therefore urged all stakeholders including the Federal Government and relevant agencies to ensure that the plan to destroy Seplat, was forestalled.

The plan according to him, “ is in three stages. The first stage is to remove the Chief Executive Officer of the company on trumped up allegations. The second is to take over total control of the company with a view to ultimately milking it dry. The third is to sell off whatever remains of the company to cronies and make it susceptible to asset stripping”.

Describing the Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy Plc , Mr Roger Brown as far from being a racist, Omife contended that ” he is a true citizen of the world and his record shows an exemplary equal opportunity employer”

He also maintained that the appointment of Brown did not negate the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010 (the Nigerian Content Development Act), as alleged, adding that those clamouring for his removal had previously , on many occasions applauded him for playing significant roles in the successful dual listing of the Company in 2014 and the company’s various asset acquisitions.

According to Omife, “Mr. Brown has continued to exceed expectations in his role as CEO of Seplat. The company has remained a law-abiding corporate citizen that maintains the highest level of corporate governance standards. All the activities of SEPLAT as a corporate citizen are in fulfillment of all applicable laws.

“ There is no truth in the claim of forced resignations and sack of Nigerian staff based on the discriminatory policies. Rather, the Board approved that Mr. Brown should carry out a restructuring of Seplat.

“The current blatant and baseless attack is creating a tidal wave of negative sentiments and adverse consequences far beyond Nigeria’s shores. Seplat is widely seen as the poster child for the Nigeria energy sector and is a shining light against several well-known Nigerian corporate failures”.

Omife, who is also the Convener of Alliance Against Monopoly, AAM a Pan-African business integrity group and past President of Association of Past Presidents of Town Unions in Anambra State, therefore, urged the those fanning the embers of hatred and disunity in Seplat to either retrace their steps or publicly denounce the ill-motivated actions.

He further appealed to masterminds of the plot to sheath their swords and allow Seplat to continue to thrive under “the visionary and purposeful leadership of Mr. Roger Brown”.