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NBA Asks Court to Permanently Restrain Trade Minister from Allowing UK Lawyers to Practice in Nigeria

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The Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have filed a lawsuit in the Federal High Court, Abuja

The Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have filed a lawsuit in the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking to permanently restrain the Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, from enforcing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that permits UK-licensed lawyers to practice in Nigeria.

The suit, which Nairametrics reviewed on Tuesday, requests “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant (Minister of Trade) from discussing or further discussing and/or implementing the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding, otherwise known as the Enhanced Trade Investment Partnership (ETIP) Agreement dated 13th February 2024, in so far as it relates to legal practice or services.”

The NBA argues that the MoU concerning ETIP will “prejudice the interests, well-being, and livelihood of legal practitioners in Nigeria.”

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NBA’s Case

Nairametrics earlier reported the signing of the “Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP)” between Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Anitie, and her British counterpart, Ms. Kemi Badenoch. This economic agreement aims to remove barriers in trade, finance, legal, and the creative industry and foster business collaboration between both countries.

However, the NBA strongly opposed the provision that would allow UK lawyers to practice in Nigeria. The Minister later clarified that, contrary to earlier reports, the ETIP agreement does not permit UK-licensed lawyers to practice in Nigeria.

Despite this clarification, an affidavit submitted by Ayodeji Oni, Esq, NBA Secretariat Legal Officer, and Head, Legal Regulatory and Compliance, in suit no FHC/ABJ/CS/668/2024, stated that the MoU sent to the NBA still included “legal services” as one of the items covered by the agreement. Oni testified before Justice Peter Lifu, emphasizing that the NBA, under the leadership of President Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), was not prepared to enter a bilateral agreement with the UK on legal services due to restrictions imposed by the Legal Practitioners’ Act, which regulates legal practice in Nigeria.

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Only the Chief Justice Can Authorize Foreign Lawyers

Oni further asserted that legal practitioners not listed on the Roll of the Supreme Court of Nigeria cannot practice law in the country. He explained that UK-licensed legal practitioners could only render legal services in Nigeria if they received a warrant from the Chief Justice of Nigeria. He emphasized that only the Chief Justice has the authority to grant limited practice rights to foreign lawyers in Nigeria.

Oni also pointed out that the MoU on ETIP was signed without consulting the NBA, which represents all lawyers called to the Nigerian Bar. He urged the court to support the NBA’s suit to protect the rights and interests of Nigerian legal practitioners according to existing laws.

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Travis Kelce Impresses in Acting Debut: Cast and Crew Praise NFL Star’s Transition to TV”

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Ahead of Travis Kelce’s much-anticipated debut, his costars Courtney B. Vance, Raven Goodwin, and more expressed their admiration for the NFL star’s acting skills in exclusive interviews with E! News.

Travis made a remarkable impact on his Grotesquerie castmates, both on and off camera, leaving a lasting positive impression.

According to his TV family, he has great potential in acting. “Absolutely,” shared costar and executive producer Courtney B. Vance. “He was incredibly prepared and a wonderful, wonderful man.”

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Raven Goodwin echoed these sentiments, describing him as “lovely” and “gracious.” She noted, “He can do anything he wants to do. He’s Travis Kelce.”

Actress Micaela Diamond also highlighted his team spirit, saying, “I had a great time working with Travis. He’s such a dear.”

For both Micaela and Travis, Grotesquerie marks a significant milestone, as it’s their first big TV project. “We were just the newbies on set, learning from these amazing actors,” she explained.

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Nicholas Alexander Chavez was also impressed, saying, “I can’t believe it’s his first show. He brought so much confidence to the role.”

Ryan Murphy, the show’s creator, praised Travis’ charisma at the New York premiere. “A star is a star, and Travis is one,” Ryan remarked. “He’s so smart and so lovely.”

Off-set, Travis also had the support of his girlfriend Taylor Swift, who encouraged him to explore his new passion. Ryan shared, “She’s been very supportive of him, and I was thrilled about that.”

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Florian Wirtz Shines as Bayer Leverkusen Dominates Feyenoord in Champions League

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Florian Wirtz Shines as Bayer Leverkusen Dominates Feyenoord in Champions League

Florian Wirtz made an impressive Champions League debut, scoring twice as Bayer Leverkusen cruised to a commanding victory over Feyenoord. The 21-year-old German international opened the scoring just five minutes into the match, placing a precise shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards out.

Leverkusen’s second goal came from a well-executed combination between their wing-backs, as Jeremie Frimpong delivered a pinpoint cross for Alex Grimaldo to convert. Frimpong was once again the provider, setting up Wirtz for his second goal, a well-taken volley that gave the visitors a 3-0 lead.

The game was effectively over by half-time when Edmond Tapsoba’s header forced Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther into an own goal, capping off a clinical performance from the Bundesliga champions.

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Despite having fewer shots than their Dutch opponents, Leverkusen was ruthless with their chances, securing a comprehensive win. This marked Feyenoord’s first loss under new manager Brian Priske, who took over following Arne Slot’s departure to Liverpool.

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Jannik Sinner Cleared After Positive Tests for Banned Substance

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Jannik Sinner Cleared After Positive Tests for Banned Substance

World number one Jannik Sinner has been officially cleared of any wrongdoing following two positive tests for a banned substance in March. The Italian tennis star tested positive for low levels of clostebol, a steroid commonly used to build muscle mass, during the Indian Wells tournament.

A second sample taken eight days later also returned a positive result for the same substance. As a result, Sinner was automatically placed under a provisional suspension. However, he successfully challenged this suspension, allowing him to continue competing.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) conducted an investigation and found that Sinner had been inadvertently contaminated by his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi. Naldi had applied an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol to treat a cut on his own hand before performing treatments on Sinner. The ITIA accepted that the contamination was unintentional, and an independent tribunal cleared Sinner of any fault or negligence last week.

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Despite being cleared, Sinner will lose the ranking points and prize money he earned from his semi-final run at Indian Wells. Reflecting on the ordeal, Sinner stated, “I will now put this challenging and deeply unfortunate period behind me. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure I comply with the ITIA’s anti-doping program. I have a team around me that is meticulous in their own compliance.”

Clostebol, which is often found in products used to treat swelling and irritation, is listed as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Sinner, who is also the reigning Australian Open champion, will enter the US Open as the top seed, with the tournament set to begin on Monday.

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