15 October 2014, Lagos – Shareholders of Conoil Plc have raised concern over the shortcomings in the company’s corporate governance practices, especially the continuous absence of the chairman, Mr. Mike Adenuga, from the Annual General Meetings, AGMs.
Specifically, they said that Adenuga has in the last 10 years absented himself from the AGMs, noting that his absence is detrimental to the interest and progress of the company, being the majority shareholder.
This is contained in a letter addressed to the chairman of Conoil Plc by members of Renaissance Shareholders Association, RSA, signed by their president, Amb. Olufemi Timothy.
They also criticized the company for frequent change in managing directors, MDs, saying that the company has produced more MDs than any of its peers in the petroleum marketing sector as it has in the last decade engaged not less than 10 managing directors, having an average of one MD per annum.
Querying why the company could not sign on one MD for at least a period of five years, they said that a stable management is necessary for consistent policy implementation and a steady growth.
“If we may be correct, you have not been to the company’s AGM for over a decade now, (10 years). This to us, who are concerned about your stake and that of other 26 percent holders of the equity of the company, is a disservice to the company and its business.
“A leader must always be seen leading its team at all times. No report of events at the AGM to you could be as accurate as when you are present to see the feelings; hear the comments, compliments and the body language of people by yourself. We wish that you will have a change of mind, attitude on this. Come to the next AGM wherever you know will be secure enough for you and your team, if security is your concern,” they said.
The shareholders frowned at lack of confidence shown in the affairs of the company by the directors as manifested through their lack of having shareholding in the company. According to them, only three out of the 10 directors hold interest in the company.
– Vanguard
