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$19.4m Legal Fees: Stakeholders, CSOs ask Tinubu to order the probe of SEPLAT CEO, Board
The Independent Shareholders
Association of Nigeria (ISAN) and a human rights and good governance advocacy group under the aegis of Make A Difference Initiative (MADI) have urged President Bola Tinubu to direct relevant agencies to investigate the perpetual breach of corporate governance codes by SEPLAT CEO.
Allegations of racism, favouritism of foreign workers against Nigerian employees have earlier been levelled against the CEO of Seplat Energy PLC, Roger Brown, by employees of the company for which MADI had demanded a definite prosecution of Mr. Brown and even the Board of Seplat Energy Plc over connivance and conspiracy to flout the country’s immigration laws.
Addressing a Press conference in Abuja on Sunday, National Coordinator of ISAN Comrade Moses Igbrude urged President Tinubu to save Seplat and the investments of Nigerians and international investors from going down the drains by directing the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) and Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) to do their jobs by taking disciplinary actions and carrying out a thorough investigation into the perpetual breach of corporate governance codes.
He also demanded “the immediate resignation or removal of SEPLAT CEO, Roger Brown, and Independent Non-Executive Directors to ensure an unimpeded investigation into the rot in Seplat before it is too late”.
“As we speak now, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) does not recognise the resolutions passed during the controversial May 10 AGM, yet they are operating as if everything is normal.
“We also urge the President to institute a probe panel composed of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant bodies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the so-called N16bn legal fees and other related matters in Seplat Energy PLC.
“We want to know how much of the senseless N16bn professional legal fees was actually paid to lawyers handling the cases.”
According to Comrade Igbrude, Nigerians and investing public deserve to know who the lawyers are and how much was paid to each lawyer or law firms.
“Did those lawyers in any way serve as conduits for any unholy compromises in the legal tussles that resulted in the questionable court injunctions and vacation of court orders in favour of Seplat? “For instance, the Federal High Court injunction in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/726/2023 was discharged on Motion Ex-parte by the Court of Appeal in less than 48 hours of filling by Seplat without giving the Respondent the opportunity to respond.
“What informed the sudden withdrawal of criminal charges (FHC/AB/CR/149/2023) instituted against Seplat CEO, Roger Brown and the INEDs as well as the restoration of Roger Brown’s visa, work, and resident permit by the Nigerian Immigration Service and Ministry of Interior without any explanation to the public or the endangered Nigerian employees in Seplat whose petition led to the investigation in the first place?
“Why were such important decisions hurriedly and surreptitiously taken immediately the Minister left office at the end of the previous administration?
“Equally worthy of investigation is the silence, inaction, and any complicity of the FRCN, SEC, etc. in the face of the serial breaches of the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG) by the Mr Basil Omiyi-led Seplat Board.
“For instance, Omiyi and Dr. Charles Okeahalam have stayed over 10 years as INEDs on Seplat Board, way beyond the maximum of nine years prescribed by the NCCG to refresh Boards and minimise threats to Board independence.
“Also, SEC is well aware of the infringements on statutory Audit Committee of Seplat such as Omiyi’s written order directing the Committee not to investigate breach of codes of corporate governance, and the forcing out of the Committee Chairman and a member by a controversial AGM and lawsuit.
“While the FRCN and CAC have responded to our petitions assuring action and investigation into the matter, SEC, unfortunately, has continued to look the other way.”
News
CUPP lampoon Reps over move to investigate Ugochinyere, others for visit to Fubara

**Calls for reversal of the ill-informed Move by the House of reps
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has Condemned the attempt by the House of Representatives to refer Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and other members to the Committee On Ethics for probe over their Solidarity Visit to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Fifty members of the House of Representatives hadq paid a solidarity visit to the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to celebrate his one year in office.
The lawmakers, who consist of members of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), Labour Party ( LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party ( NNPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) also include the spokesman of opposition coalition, in the House, Ikenga Ugochinyere..
Ugochinyere had explained on the sideline of the thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt that federal lawmakers were in Rivers to solidarilize with Fubara and celebrate with him on his one year of transformational leadership.
But the House had referred the Honourable members to the Committee on Ethics for disciplinary action over their visit
However, the chairman,
Media Committee of the
Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) Chief Barr. Chukwudi Ezeobika in a statement has tackled the leadership of the House for the action which he said clearly cast doubt on its integrity in the observance and or adherence to the laws which they enact/promulgate.
“Relying on the point of order/ privilege raised by Yusuf Gagdi of the All Progressives Congress, Plateau State to arrive at such decision is erroneous and grossly misleading.
“The House, by this very action, has impugned on the integrity and sacredness of Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) especially Sections 39 and 40 which guarantee Freedom of Expression and the Press as well as that of Peaceful Assembly and Association respectively.
“We, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), hereby call on the leadership of the House of Representatives to, without further delay retract its ongoing steps in the purported probe of these Honourable members by its Ethics Committee and not engage in any act that may violate the fundamental rights of its members or any member of the public.
News
Kano Police counter reports that Emir Bayero will lead Jumma’t prayer

the Kano State Police Command has countered reports that Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero will lead Jumma’t Prayers at Kofar Kudu Central Mosque, Kano, where Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, Emir of Kano, leading prayer at the moment.
The reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, have been laying claim to the throne, creating confusion in the city.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had dethroned Ado Bayero and asked him to hand over within 48 hours.
But the dethroned monarch in defiance returned to the town under military protection and has been operating from the mini palace since then.
In a statement by Abdullahi Kiyawa, spokesman of Kano Police Command, said, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc further assured that all necessary security arrangements have been made for Alhaji Aminu Bayero to observe his Jummah Prayers in the Mosque where he lives at the Nasarawa Palace.
“The CP also assured that the Police and all other state security agencies will provide adequate security at the Palace where Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is expected to observe his Jumma’at Prayers.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore the false reports and misinformation circulating on social media and to go about their activities without fear of molestation or intimidation assuring that the Police will continue to provide the necessary security for ensuring that residents observe their Friday congressional prayers peacefully and without threats to their lives and property.”
The emirate tussle has continued to linger since the reinstatement of Sanusi and dissolution of the five emirates.
There have been cnflicting court orders for and against
Based on the conflicting orders, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola, had summoned the head of the Federal High high Court and Kano Chief Judge.
The Police statement reads,
KANO STATE POLICE COMMAND
31ST MAY, 2024
The Kano State Police Command is hereby advising all residents to disregard the false information circulating on social media that Emir Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero will lead Jumma’t Prayers at Kofar Kudu Central Mosque, Kano.
2. The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc further assured that all necessary security arrangements have been made for Alhaji Aminu Bayero to observe his Jummah Prayers in the Mosque where he lives at the Nasarawa Palace.
3. The CP also assured that the Police and all other state security agencies will provide adequate security at the Palace where Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is expected to observe his Jumma’at Prayers.
4. Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore the false reports and misinformation circulating on social media and to go about their activities without fear of molestation or intimidation assuring that the Police will continue to provide the necessary security for ensuring that residents observe their Friday congressional prayers peacefully and without threats to their lives and property.
SP ABDULLAHI HARUNA KIYAWA, ANIPR, MNISMA,
POLICE PUBLIC RELATONS OFFICER,
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, KANO STATE COMMAND.
News
Royal turbulence gets messier as emirs Sanusi II, Bayero move to hold prayer at Palace Mosque

As the royal turbulence continue to shake the foundation of the city of Kano, the ancient city is tension soaked as the two contending Emirs- the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, have indicated their determination to hold Jumaat prayers at the Palace Central Mosque.
A press statement issued Thursday night, signed by Danburan Kano, Munir Sanusi Bayero, spelt out the itinerary of the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to the Mosque to lead the Jumaat Prayers.
The statement explained that Emir Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, who resides in the Palace, and is closer to the contending Mosque, is expected to lead the two rakat Friday prayers.
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II has been leading the Jumaat Prayers at the Palace Central Mosque as the Amir of the City, a statement explained.
The statement by Danburan invited Kano residents to come and listen to the sermon to be delivered by the Emir Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II.
However, another statement from an aide of the deposed Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero invited residents to join him at the Emir’s Palace Friday Mosque to observe the Juma’at prayer.
It stated that the movement to the Emir’s Palace Mosque starts at 12.30 pm.
However, the police are yet to comment on the development.
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