Our partner, Mr Ike Oguine, has decided to take temporary leave of absence from the firm. He has made this decision in response to allegations made against him in the course of proceedings instituted by the Federal Government of Nigeria to set aside a high-profile arbitration award. These allegations relate to the period during which he served as Coordinator, Legal Services of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. Mr Oguine denies any wrongdoing but considers it desirable to take this leave of absence to enable him devote his time to dealing with the said allegations and to ensure that publicity from the ongoing proceedings does not adversely affect the firm and its clients.