Sao Tome & Principe Block 4: ERHC braces itself against Kosmos

摘要

ERHC has picked out its defence squad to put its best foot forward during the arbitral process launched by former partner Kosmos Energy. Junior ERHC’s two Nigerian lawyers Steve Ahanuku and Godwin Chigbu (from Abujabased A&E Law Partnership) have being honing their line of defence against Kosmos Energy. The American exploration firm had signed an option to purchase ERHC’s stakes in Sao Tome & Principe offshore block 4 in June 2017 but the junior opted to unilaterally terminate the option on October 21. This prompted Kosmos to file an emergency procedure with the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) on October 25 ( AEI 805). ERHC will also be backed by British lawyer Alexandra Itari-Wills from Christ Church Chambers. The junior’s pick for the arbitral team at the LCIA is Ike Ihiribe, while Kosmos has chosen Jay Alexander (Baker Botts).