The head of Shell Oil Co. discussed the international energy situation at the School of Management yesterday, but was criticized by protesters for his company's actions in Nigeria.

CEO Steven Miller, also the chairman and president of Shell, lectured on the U.S. role in the war in Afghanistan, the current energy situation and Shell's effort to improve the future energy supply.

Near the end of the lecture, several Boston University students distributed pamphlets alleging Shell armed Nigerian security forces to secure oil fields against Nigerian rebels. Several activist groups, including Greenpeace, have also accused Shell of encouraging the Nigerian government to arrest and execute Ken Saro-Wiwa, an opposition leader whose tribe lives near Shell oilfields.

"We did not supply arms," Miller told the audience, emphasizing the company tried to intervene on behalf of Saro-Wiwa. "The execution was most unfortunate ... We intervened to the extent we possibly could."

The handouts were confiscated by BU authorities who asked the protesters to leave. The student protesters, joined by several other audience members, resisted the move and asked loudly, "Isn't this a public lecture?"

Karlin Fleisch, a College of Arts and Sciences junior, was one of the students escorted out of the building by BU Police.

"I don't want to hear someone respected and honored when they are responsible for crimes," she said. She objected to any honors bestowed on Miller by BU.

In his remarks, Miller spoke in favor of developing "cost effective measures to conserve energy." Shell is investing billions of dollars annually to develop wind, deep-sea and natural gas power technologies, he said.

The role of business is tied into other international concerns, he said. "Issues around environmental, social and economic issues are inextricably linked together," Miller said. Consequently, it's necessary to "balance energy needs with concern for the environment" and "maintain and enhance concern for environmental and social aspects ..."

When the lecture was over, students raised questions about the relations between OPEC member countries with the rest of the international community, while others continued to question Miller on Shell's involvement in Nigeria.

One protester asked if Shell would continue the practice of entering undeveloped countries to "drill and rape the resources, then abandon it."

In response, Miller said Shell was forced to leave Nigeria for security reasons since the company could not longer "drill without fear for personal safety."

Another disruption occurred when a woman entered the lecture with a picture of Saro-Wiwa saying, "To the people of Nigeria, Shell equals death." She stood in the auditorium aisle and chanted, "Ken Saro-Wiwa, we will not forget," before being asked to leave.

One student asked Miller how to deal with bad press. "Honestly," Miller answered. It is important "to recognize those with different views do have a view," he said. "You have a right to tell your story as well. If you feel what you are doing is the right thing, that's what you go forward with." Ryan Wittig, a SMG junior and business major, said he was familiar with Shell's operations in Nigeria, but found the protesters disruptive.

"I don't mind them voicing their opinions," he said. However, Wittig said the protesters were "disrupting the learning environment."

After the lecture and question period, SMG Dean Louis Lataif presented Miller with a plaque recognizing him as a distinguished executive and
honorary member of the school's faculty.

Lataif also acknowledged the protesters. "All you have differing views," he said. "The pros and cons of every issue are most welcome."