Austin Avuru suspends book launch over court order

Austin Avuru, founding chief executive officer (CEO) of Seplat Energy, says he has called off the planned unveiling of his books.

The decision, Avuru said, followed an injunction by a federal high court in Abuja restraining the publication of his books.

The books are titled “My Entrepreneurship Journey”, “A Safe Part of Hands” and “Politics, Economics & the Nigerian Petroleum Industry”.

In a recent statement he signed, Avuru informed guests that “this event has been suspended by an Abuja High Court Injunction. Our lawyers are at work and, when we are permitted, we shall re-assemble at a later date”.

The message concluded with “sincere apologies to our invited guests and dignitaries for untold inconveniences and arrested expectations. Very warm regards”.

On Tuesday, SB Belgore, high court judge, granted the order after the applicants approached the court over the contents of the books, which they find “offensive and inimical” to their interests as shareholders of Seplat Energy Plc.

Belgore, ruling on the ex-parte motion moved by Nsikan Samuel Ekpeyong Esq, barred Avuru from presenting the books or any other books on August 4, 2022, or any other date in Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, or any other venue, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

In December 2021, the board of Seplat Energy approved Avuru’s termination, citing “breaches of the company’s corporate governance policies and his fiduciary duties”.

But Avuru, through his lawyer, Perchstone & Graeys law firm, said the allegations were aimed at “damaging his hard-earned reputation”.

He said since he retired as pioneer CEO of the country, he has been the subject of various attacks by some elements in his former company.