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<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language:HE">Representation:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language:HE">K. C. O. Njemanze (SAN), with him, K. I. Uduma and B. A. Ajonuma, for the Claimant<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language:HE">I. I. Amadi (Mrs.), Asst. Director, Imo State Ministry of Justice, for the Defendants<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language:HE">JUDGMENT<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:108%;mso-bidi-language: HE">On the 22<sup>nd</sup> day of August 2013, the Claimant commenced this action by way of complaint seeking the following reliefs: </span><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language:HE"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-width:108%;mso-bidi-language:HE">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language: HE">A declaration that the Claimant is still a Permanent Secretary in the service of Imo State Government and is entitled to his salaries, emoluments, benefits and privileges till 19th November, 2016. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-width:108%;mso-bidi-language:HE">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language: HE">A declaration that the Claimant is only due for retirement on 19<sup>th</sup> November, 2016 when he would have attained 60 years of age. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-width:108%;mso-bidi-language:HE">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language: HE">A declaration that the purported retirement of the Claimant from Imo State Civil Service by the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant (vide letter dated 30<sup>th</sup> May, 2013 reference number CSC/P.9/S.6/IV/102 issued by the Chairman of the 3<sup>rd</sup> Defendant) is null and void, and of no effect. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-width:108%;mso-bidi-language:HE">4.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language: HE;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">An Order </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE">setting aside the purported retirement of the Claimant from Imo State Civil Service (vide letter dated 30<sup>th</sup> May, 2013 reference number</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 108%;mso-bidi-language:HE">CSC/P.9/S.6/IV/102</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE"> issued by the Chairman of the 3<sup>rd</sup> Defendant). </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 108%;mso-bidi-language:HE"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-width:108%;mso-bidi-language:HE">5.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language: HE;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">An Order </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE">reinstating the Claimant as a Permanent Secretary in the Imo State Civil Service. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:108%;mso-bidi-language:HE"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-width:108%;mso-bidi-language:HE">6.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language: HE;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">An Order </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE">restoring the payment of salaries, emoluments, allowances, benefits and privileges to the Claimant by the Defendants from May 2013. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 108%;mso-bidi-language:HE"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-width:108%;mso-bidi-language:HE">7.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language: HE;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">An injunction restraining </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 107%;mso-bidi-language:HE">the Defendants, their servants and or agents from retiring the Claimant from the Imo State Civil Service before the 19<sup>th</sup> November, 2016. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:108%;mso-bidi-language:HE"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE">The parties filed and exchanged pleadings, and at the close of pleadings, trial commenced on the </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language:HE">14<sup>th</sup> day of May, 2015. The Claimant testified as sole witness for the Claimant, tendered various documents which were admitted in evidence as Exhibits and was cross-examined by the defence counsel. The Defendant's sole witness was Mr. Sam Ezeji, who testified, tendered documents which were admitted in evidence as Exhibits and was cross examined by the Claimant's counsel. At the close of the case of the Defendants on the 11<sup>th</sup> day of November 2015, parties were ordered to file Final written addresses. The Claimant filed his written address on the 18<sup>th</sup> day of December 2015. The defendants filed their written address on the 9<sup>th</sup> day of March vide a motion for extension of time. Parties adopted their respective written addresses on the 10<sup>th</sup> day of March 2016. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE">The Claimant in his final address distilled one issue for determination; which is: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language:HE">Whether the Claimant having not attained the age of 60 years or Thirty-Five (35) years of service can be prematurely and compulsorily retired from the Imo State Civil Service by the Defendants.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE">Counsel submitted that the Claimant is a public officer. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 120%;mso-bidi-language:HE">He referred to the case of <b>ACHU vs. C.S.C. CROSS RIVER STATE (2009) 3 NWLR (Pt.1129) 498</b> where it was held that a </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:128%;mso-bidi-language:HE;mso-bidi-font-style:italic">public offer is </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:128%;mso-bidi-language:HE">a person engaged in the service </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:114%;mso-bidi-language: HE">of </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:128%;mso-bidi-language:HE;mso-bidi-font-style:italic">the state in </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:114%;mso-bidi-language:HE">a </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:128%;mso-bidi-language: HE;mso-bidi-font-style:italic">civil capacity.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE"> He went further that in the instant case, it is not in dispute that the Claimant is a civil servant working under the 3<sup>rd </sup>Defendant. He submitted further that the employment of the Claimant has statutory flavour; referring to the case of </span><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 122%;mso-bidi-language:HE">IDONIBOYEOBU vs. NNPC (2003)b2 NWLR (Pt. 805) 589</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 122%;mso-bidi-language:HE"> where it was held at 632 paras. F-G</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 108%;mso-bidi-language:HE"> thus: </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language:HE">“</span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 128%;mso-bidi-language:HE">Two </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 115%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:128%;mso-bidi-language: HE">the vital ingredients that must coexist before </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:115%;mso-bidi-language:HE">a </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 128%;mso-bidi-language:HE">contract </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:115%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 128%;mso-bidi-language:HE">employment may be said to import statutory flavour include the following: <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-width:128%;mso-bidi-language:HE">1.<span style="font-style: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 128%;mso-bidi-language:HE">The employer must be </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:128%;mso-bidi-language:HE">a body set up by statute. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-width:128%;mso-bidi-language:HE">2.<span style="font-style: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 128%;mso-bidi-language:HE">The stabilizing statute must express provisions regulating the employment </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 115%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:128%;mso-bidi-language: HE">the staff </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 120%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:128%;mso-bidi-language: HE">the category </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 120%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:128%;mso-bidi-language: HE">the employment concerned especially in matters </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:115%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 128%;mso-bidi-language:HE">discipline". <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:108%;mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:108%;mso-bidi-language: HE">In the instant case, the letter of employment of the Claimant by the 3<sup>rd </sup>Defendant (</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:122%;mso-bidi-language:HE">Exhibit A)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 108%;mso-bidi-language:HE"> evinces that the Claimant is a civil servant working under the 3<sup>rd</sup> Defendant and his contract of service is governed by the Imo State Civil Service Rules. Counsel submitted that from the evidence before the Court, it is clear that the employment of the Claimant has statutory flavour. This submission is supported by the Court of Appeal decision of </span><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 122%;mso-bidi-language:HE">NAWA vs. A.G. Cross Rivers State (2007) LPELR -8294 (CA)</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:122%;mso-bidi-language:HE">.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE">By virtue of the Imo State Civil Service Commission Regulations of 1984, the Claimant is only due for retirement upon attaining 60 years of age or 35 years of service. Section 31 of the aforesaid Regulations provides thus: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:125%;mso-bidi-language: HE"> "31. A civil servant shall retire compulsorily on attainment </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:119%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 125%;mso-bidi-language:HE">sixty years </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:119%;mso-bidi-language: HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:125%;mso-bidi-language:HE">age or thirty-five years </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:119%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 125%;mso-bidi-language:HE">service, whichever is earlier. Six months before attaining the age </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 119%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:125%;mso-bidi-language: HE">sixty years or thirty-five years </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:119%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 125%;mso-bidi-language:HE">service, the staff shall give notice </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:119%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 125%;mso-bidi-language:HE">retirement from the service. This is to ensure smooth hand-over/taking over and early processing </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:119%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 125%;mso-bidi-language:HE">the retirement benefits. In all cases </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 123%;mso-bidi-language:HE">a </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:125%;mso-bidi-language: HE">civil servant in whatever grade shall be deemed to have retired from the service from the date he attains sixty years </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:119%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 125%;mso-bidi-language:HE">age or thirty-five years </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:119%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 125%;mso-bidi-language:HE">service". <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE">Counsel referred to </span><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 124%;mso-bidi-language:HE">OLUFEAGBA vs. ABDUL-RAHEEM (2009) 18 NWLR (Pt.1173) P.462</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:124%;mso-bidi-language:HE"> where it was held that:</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 107%;mso-bidi-language:HE"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:120%;mso-bidi-language: HE"> <i>“</i></span><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:128%;mso-bidi-language:HE">An avalanche </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:115%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 128%;mso-bidi-language:HE">Court decisions have pronounced that where contract </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:115%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 128%;mso-bidi-language:HE">service enjoys statutory protection it can only be terminated in the manner prescribed by the governing statutory prescribed by the governing statutory provisions, </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:115%;mso-bidi-language:HE">a </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 128%;mso-bidi-language:HE">breach </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:115%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 128%;mso-bidi-language:HE">which renders the act ultra vires and void”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:108%;mso-bidi-language: HE">It is the submission of Counsel that since the employment of the Claimant has statutory flavour, the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendants cannot unilaterally determine the contract of service or retire the Claimant before the attainment of 60 years of age or 35 years of service or for just cause duly established. The reason is where a statutory requirement for exercise of legal authority is laid down, it is expected that the employer would follow the requirements to the details. The non-observance or adherence (as in the instant case) renders the purported retirement a nullity. See </span><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 124%;mso-bidi-language:HE">AKINYANJU vs. UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN (2011) All FWLR (Pt.569) l080 at 1147-1148</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 124%;mso-bidi-language:HE">. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:108%;mso-bidi-language:HE">It is Counsel’s further contention that the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant lacks the power to remove the Claimant from office without following due process as stated in the Civil Service Rules. </span><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:128%;mso-bidi-language:HE"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:109%;mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:109%;mso-bidi-language: HE">In the instant case, the Claimant tendered the purported letter of retirement dated 30/5/2013 and tendered in evidence as </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:125%;mso-bidi-language:HE">Exhibit "E". </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 109%;mso-bidi-language:HE">Though the letter is purported to have emanated from the Civil Service Commission, but the content of the letter in clear terms shows that the decision of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant to retire the Claimant was what was conveyed in that letter. The letter also shows that the purported retirement of the Claimant was not the decision of the 3<sup>rd</sup> Defendant, but rather the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant took the unlawful decision and directed the 3<sup>rd</sup> Defendant to convey the unlawful directive. Therefore, it was the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant that purportedly retired the Claimant and contrary to law, the 3<sup>rd</sup> Defendant had no hand in that decision. Furthermore, </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:125%;mso-bidi-language:HE">Exhibit E </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 109%;mso-bidi-language:HE">shows that no reason or cause was stated or disclosed on the said letter for the purported retirement of the Claimant. And the Defendants at the trial failed to establish any just cause for the purported retirement. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 119%;mso-bidi-language:HE">In <b>OLUFEAGBA </b></span><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:109%;mso-bidi-language:HE">vs </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:119%;mso-bidi-language:HE">ABDUL-RAHEEM (Supra)</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:119%;mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:109%;mso-bidi-language: HE">it was held at Pp. 463-464, paras. H-A that; <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:109%;mso-bidi-language: HE"> </span><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 126%;mso-bidi-language:HE">“In </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 120%;mso-bidi-language:HE">an </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:126%;mso-bidi-language: HE">employment with statutory flavour, the reason for the termination </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:120%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 126%;mso-bidi-language:HE">the employment is 'very crucial' to the case </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:120%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 126%;mso-bidi-language:HE">both parties. The reason must be ascertainable and must be in accordance with the letter </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:120%;mso-bidi-language:HE">of </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 126%;mso-bidi-language:HE">appointment, governing regulations and statutory provisions”. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:109%;mso-bidi-language: HE">Counsel submitted that the purported retirement is unlawful and unconstitutional, especially when there was no evidence to show that the Civil Service Rules was adhered to by the Defendants. It is noteworthy that under Section 202 of the 1999 Constitution, the 3<sup>rd</sup> Defendant shall not be subject to the direction and control of any other authority or person including the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant. Therefore, the directive of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant to the 3<sup>rd</sup> Defendant as reflected in Exhibit E is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void. It is the further argument of Counsel that </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE">the Claimant having been appointed Permanent Secretary from the Public Service of Imo State does not hold his tenure of office at the pleasure of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant. Rather, the Claimant's tenure is as circumscribed by the Constitution and the Imo State Civil Service Rules. Counsel referred to the cases of: </span><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 147%;mso-bidi-language:HE"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-width:126%;mso-bidi-language: HE">1.<span style="font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 126%;mso-bidi-language:HE">LADEJOBI vs. ODUTOLA HOLDING LTD. (2002) 3 NWLR (Pt.753) 212<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-width:126%;mso-bidi-language: HE">2.<span style="font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 126%;mso-bidi-language:HE">AL HASSAN vs. AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA (2011) 11 NWLR (Pt.1259) 417 at 549<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-font-width:126%;mso-bidi-language: HE">3.<span style="font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 126%;mso-bidi-language:HE">OMIDIORA vs. F.C.S.C. (2007)14 NELR (Pt.1053) 17 at 31-33. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE">From the foregoing, counsel submitted that the Claimant was retired prematurely. In the instant case, the Claimant was born on 19/11/1956 and was employed by the Imo Civil Service on 2/1/1984. Thus, the Claimant was fifty-seven (57) years of age and had put in twenty-eight (28) years in service as at the time he was purportedly retired by the Defendants. This is clearly below the statutory requirement. See </span><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:121%;mso-bidi-language:HE">P.H.C.N vs. OFFOELO (Supra)</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 121%;mso-bidi-language:HE">.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language:HE"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE">Counsel urged the Court to hold that the Claimant was prematurely retired from civil service and grant all the reliefs sought in this matter including reinstatement of the Claimant.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:121%;mso-bidi-language:HE"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language:HE">In the final written address of the Defendants filed on the 9<sup>th</sup> day of March 2016, Counsel identified a lone issue for determination by this Court thus: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language: HE">Whether the Claimant is entitled to his claims</span></i></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language: HE">. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE">Counsel </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language:HE">submitted that the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant can validly appoint any Civil Servant from the ranks of Director, to the position of a Permanent Secretary and to retire a person so appointed from service by reason of Section 208 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). He submitted that where an enactment empowers a person to exercise certain powers, it is not right to impose limitations on the exercise of such powers where such was not provided for in the enabling enactment. Also, where the words of a document or an enactment are clear and not ambiguous, they should be given effect to. See <b>AKUNEZIRI vs.OKENWA (2000) 82 LRCN 336</b>. Counsel submitted further that in the interpretation of the provision of the constitution or any enactment, the duty of the court is to adopt a liberal interpretation which means that where the provisions of a statute are clear and unambiguous, they must be read in their plain and ordinary words which best give their meaning.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language:HE">Furthermore, by the provisions of the Section 208 (1) and (2) of the Constitution, the powers to appoint and remove the Claimant, which is sought to be interpreted by the court in this suit, resides with the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant. Counsel submitted that the appointment of a person to the position of a Permanent Secretary is a political appointment and once appointed, the office is no longer regulated by the Civil Service Rules of the State. The DW1 Mr. Sam Ezeji, in his evidence in court and his cross examination made this assertion and same was neither contradicted nor discredited by the Claimant. Thus, the court must give effect to it. Counsel urged the court to hold that the Claimant’s retirement letter was lawful and emanated from the appropriate authority. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language:HE">On the issue raised by the Claimant that no reason was given for the removal of the Claimant as Permanent Secretary; counsel argued that the Constitutional provision empowering the Governor to remove any person appointed as Permanent Secretary did not state that any reason should be given for the removal. Importing this into the section will mean to limit the exercise of the Governor's statutory powers which was not the contemplation of the drafters of the constitution. In conclusion, counsel urged the Court to hold that the Claimant has not proved his case and therefore, not entitled to his claims.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:2.0in;text-indent:.5in"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:120%;mso-bidi-language: HE">Court’s Decision<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Having heard learned counsel to the parties in their written address, it appears to me that the sole issue to be determined in this suit is: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether the Claimant’s retirement from service is valid. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The facts of the Claimant’s case, as narrated by him in his evidence as CW1, are that he was employed into the Imo State Civil Service on 2/1/1984 by the 3<sup>rd</sup> Defendant and his employment was confirmed on 1/4/1986. By a letter dated 24/11/2008, the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant’s approval appointing the Claimant as Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Government House, Owerri was conveyed to the Head of Service, Imo State. The Claimant said he was born on 19/11/1956 and will attain the age of 60 years in 2016 when he will also be due for retirement going by the provisions of the Public Service Rules, the Pension Act and other extant laws. His condition of service in the Imo State Civil Service is governed by the Public Service Rules. However the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant prematurely and compulsorily retired him from service without regard to the Public Service Rules vide the letter dated 30/5/2013. The letter was signed on behalf of the chairman of the 3<sup>rd</sup> Defendant by one E. A. Iheka, the acting permanent secretary. The letter did not state the reason for the compulsory retirement nor did it disclose that the retirement was done by the appropriate authority. The Claimant also made the following assertions about his retirement: His employment has statutory flavour and he has not reached retirement age at the time he was retired; the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant did not comply with the Public Service Rules before retiring him from service neither does the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant have the power to retire him; the retirement was not the decision of the 3<sup>rd</sup> Defendant; no reason was given for his retirement and no allegation of misconduct was leveled against him. Let me also mention that the Claimant described the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant as the chief executive officer of the Imo State while the 3<sup>rd</sup> is a creation of the constitution with powers to appoint persons into the Imo State Civil service and to dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over persons in the Imo State Civil Service. The Claimant tendered in support of his case, his employment letter, confirmation letter, letter of appointment as permanent secretary, declaration of age and letter of retirement from service. These are in evidence as Exhibits A, B, C, D and E respectively.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Defendant’s sole witness, a Chief Administrative Officer in the 3<sup>rd</sup> Defendant, testified that from the moment the Claimant was appointed as a Permanent Secretary in the Imo State Civil Service, his employment is no longer governed by the Civil Service Rules. Upon the acceptance of the appointment, the Claimant’s condition of service changed and the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant is not bound by the Civil Service Rules. The Claimant was retired lawfully from the Imo State Civil Service on 30/5/2013 as the retirement</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> was done by the appropriate authority. DW1 stated further that the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant is empowered to appoint any qualified civil servant into the position of permanent secretary and to retire such a person. The 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant can also delegate his function to the 3<sup>rd</sup> and 4<sup>th</sup> Defendants and in retiring the Claimant, no reason need be disclosed. DW1 tendered Exhibits D1 and D2 in evidence. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">From the facts of this case, it is not in dispute that the Claimant was a civil servant in the Imo State Civil Service and in November 2008, he was appointed by the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant as a Permanent Secretary in the Imo State Civil Service. On 30<sup>th</sup> May 2013, he was retired from service by the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant. The Claimant’s case is that he has not yet reached retirement age when he was retired from service and that 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant who retired him from service has no such power to retire him. The Defendants’ position, if I understand it very well, is that the Claimant’s retirement was lawful as it was done by the appropriate authority.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In determining this case, let me first of all consider the nature of the Claimant’s retirement. Exhibit D1, tendered by DW1, is a letter dated 28<sup>th</sup> May 2013 with reference number <b><i>SGI/S.0011/S.2/T.1/91</i></b> by one E. I. Igaro, the Permanent Secretary, Economic Affairs Bureau, office of the Secretary to the Government of Imo State to the Chairman of the Imo State Civil Service Commission. The Chairman of the Civil Service Commission was informed as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in"><b><i><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“RE: IMMEDIATE RETIREMENT OF PERMANENT SECRETARIES.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in"><b><i><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I am directed to refer to the recent press release on the above subject matter (copy attached) and humbly request you to issue appropriate letters to the following permanent secretaries <u>who were retired</u> <u>by His Excellency</u>, the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha (OON). They are:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.75in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo6"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">1.<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">------------<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.75in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo6"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">2.<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">P.A. Nlebedum<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.75in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo6"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">3.<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">…”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In Exhibit D1, the Chairman of the Imo State Civil Service Commission was informed that some permanent secretaries, including the Claimant, have been retired by the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant and directing the chairman of the commission to issue letters to that effect to the affected permanent secretaries. The Claimant’s retirement letter, Exhibit E, is dated 30<sup>th</sup> May 2013 and signed by one A. E. Iheka, acting permanent secretary for the Chairman of the Imo State Civil Service Commission. The retirement letter was issued pursuant to Exhibit D1. The Claimant was informed in paragraph 1 of the retirement letter as follows: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“<b><i>I am directed to refer to letter no. SGI/S.0011/S.2/T.1/91 dated 28<sup>th</sup> May 2013 from the Secretary to the Government of Imo State on the above mentioned subject matter and convey the <u>directives</u> of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha (OON) <u>to retire you</u> <u>from the Imo State Civil Service with effect from Friday 24<sup>th</sup> May 2013.</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It is clear from the content of Exhibits D1 and E reproduced above that the Claimant was retired from service by the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant but the 3<sup>rd</sup> Defendant was instructed to convey the Claimant’s retirement to him. By the content of Exhibits D1 and E, the action of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant was the retirement of the Claimant from the Imo State Civil Service and not merely a removal from office as permanent secretary. Without any doubt, the Claimant was retired from the Imo State Civil Service and the retirement was ordered by the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Section 208 of the 1999 Constitution, which gave the power to State Governors to appoint permanent secretaries, provides: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“(1) Power to <u>appoint</u> persons to hold or act in the offices to which this section applies and to <u>remove</u> persons so appointed <u>from any such office</u> shall vest in the Governor of the State. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">(2) The offices to which this section applies are, namely-<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: .5in"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">(a) Secretary to the Government of the State; <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: .5in"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">(b) Head of the Civil Service of the State; <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:1.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">(c) <u>Permanent Secretary</u> or other Chief Executive in any Ministry or Department of the Government of the State howsoever designated; and <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: .5in"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">(d) any office on the personal staff of the Governor.</span></i></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; color:#232B26;mso-font-width:126%;mso-bidi-language:HE"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:#232B26;mso-font-width:126%; mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">(3) An appointment to the office of the Head of the Civil Service of a State shall not be made except from among Permanent Secretaries or equivalent rank in the Civil Service of any State or of the Federation. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">(4) In exercising his powers of appointment under this section, the Governor shall have regard to the diversity of the people within the State and the need to promote national unity. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.5in"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">(5) Any appointment made pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (d) of subsection (2) of this section shall be at the pleasure of the Governor and shall cease when the Governor ceases to hold office: <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-align:justify"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Provided that where a person has been appointed from a public service of the Federation or a State, he shall be entitled to return to the Public Service of the Federation or of the State when the Governor ceases to hold office.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It was pursuant to this provision that the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant appointed the Claimant in November 2008 as a Permanent Secretary. In his written address, the Defendants’ counsel submitted that the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant also retired the Claimant pursuant to the powers of removal conferred on the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant in the above provision of the constitution. The Claimant’s letter of appointment as a permanent secretary is in evidence as Exhibit C. It is dated 24<sup>th</sup> November 2008 and was written by the Secretary to the Government of Imo State. The 1<sup>st</sup> paragraph thereof, which is relevant to the issue under consideration, reads-<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Godson Ohakim (Ochinanwata) has approved your <u>appointment a permanent secretary in the Imo State Civil Service.”</u><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I have underlined the words “<b><i>appointment a permanent secretary in the Imo State Civil Service.”</i></b> to emphasize the fact that the Claimant’s appointment as a Permanent Secretary did not take him away from the Civil Service or change his status as a civil servant. The appointment was still an appointment in the Imo State Civil Service. Section 208 (1) empowers the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant to appoint persons into office of permanent secretary and also power to <b><i><u>remove</u> persons so appointed <u>from any such office</u></i></b>. It is clear from the provision that the Governor who made the appointment can also remove the person so appointed from the same office. Therefore, the power of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant under the section to remove Permanent Secretary is limited to removal from the office of Permanent Secretary and no more. In this case however, the Claimant was retired from the civil service altogether by the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant. The Defendants counsel put heavy reliance on Section 208 (1) as the authority of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant to retire the Claimant from service. As I have observed above, other than power of removal from the office of Permanent Secretary, Section 208 (1) did not grant any power to the Governor to retire civil servants from service. In the result, Section 208 (1) did not cover or sanction the action of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant in the retirement of the Claimant from the Imo State Civil Service.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The question may also be asked whether the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant has the power to retire the Claimant from service. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I think the answer to this question is constitutionally provided. Let me first mention that nothing in the provision of Section 208 (1) of the 1999 constitution suggests that the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant has power to retire a Permanent Secretary from service without recourse to the Civil Service Commission or the Civil Service Rules. By the Claimant’s appointment letter as Permanent Secretary, it is obvious that he was still in the Imo State Civil Service in his appointment as a Permanent Secretary. Being a civil servant, the Claimant’s employment is regulated by the Civil Service Rules or regulation made pursuant to the provisions of Section 197 of the 1999 Constitution. It is now trite that employment under the Civil Service Rules is employment protected by statutes. See <b>ATTORNEY-GENERAL, CROSS RIVER STATE vs. OKON (2007) All FWLR (Pt.395) 370; OKEME vs. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, EDO STATE (2001) FWLR (Pt.36) 873; OMIDIORA vs. FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION (2008) All FWLR (Pt.415) 1807. </b>Therefore, the Claimant’s employment in the Imo State Civil Service had statutory flavour.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This fact was constitutionally recognized when it was provided thus in Section 208 (5) of the 1999 Constitution:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Any appointment made pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (d) of subsection (2) of this section shall be at the pleasure of the Governor and shall cease when the Governor ceases to hold office: <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Provided that where a person has been appointed from a public service of the Federation or a State, he shall be entitled to return to the public service of the Federation or of the State when the Governor ceases to hold office.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">By this provision, the appointment of the Head of Service of the State and Permanent Secretary, having been appointed from the public service of the state, are not at the pleasure of the Governor. These appointments do not cease when the governor ceases to hold office but the officers are entitled to return to the Civil Service when the Governor ceases to hold office. It is thus clear that if for whatever reason the Claimant is removed from office as Permanent Secretary by the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant, he should be returned to the Public Service of Imo State. Being a Civil Servant all the while the Claimant held office as Permanent Secretary, the Constitution has further settled the issue of which authority has the responsibility to discipline him. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Section</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:red; mso-font-width:108%;mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">197 (1) of the 1999 Constitution provide that </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">“There shall be established for each State of the Federation the following bodies, namely- <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:55.5pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: -19.5pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">(a)<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">State Civil Service Commission<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:55.5pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: -19.5pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">(b)<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">----------<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Section 2 (1) and (2) of part II of the Third Schedule 1999 Constitution provide:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Civil Service Commission of a State <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -15.3pt"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">(1)The Commission shall have power, without prejudice to the powers vested in the Governor and the State Judicial Service Commission, to- <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-align:justify"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">(a) appoint persons to offices in the State civil service; and <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-align:justify"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">(b) dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding such offices. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -15.75pt"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">(2)The Commission shall not exercise any of its powers under sub-paragraph (1) of this paragraph in respect of such offices of heads of divisions of Ministries or of departments of the Government of the State as may from time to time be designated by an order made by the Governor except after consultation with the head of the civil service of the State.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Then, Section 202 of the 1999 Constitution provides as follows:</span><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"In exercising its power to make appointments or to exercise disciplinary control over persons the State Civil Service Commission, the State Independent Electoral Commission and the State Judicial Service Commission shall not be subject to the direction and control of any other authority or person."<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The combined effect of the above provisions of the constitution is that the matter of discipline, or dismissal or retirement of the Claimant from the Imo State Civil services is the responsibility of the Imo State Civil Service Commission and this responsibility is not subject to the direction and control of any authority or person. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Although Section 208 (1) gave power to the Governor to appoint persons to hold or act in the offices to which the section apply and to remove persons so appointed from any such office, the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant cannot, while removing the Claimant as Permanent Secretary, retire him altogether from the civil service. As a civil servant whose appointment is not at the pleasure of the Governor, the legislation regulating the appointment and removal or retirement from service is found in the Civil Service Rules. In this case, it was the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant who retired the Claimant and not the Civil Service Commission. Although the retirement letter was written by the Commission, it only conveyed to the Claimant the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant’s decision to retire him from service. It is therefore obvious that the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant does not have power to retire a civil servant without recourse to the Civil Service Commission or the Civil Service Rules. I find that the Claimant’s retirement was not done by the proper authority. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">In <b>NAWA vs. ATTORNEY GENERAL, CROSS RIVER STATE </b></span><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:122%;mso-bidi-language:HE">(2007) LPELR -8294 (CA</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:122%;mso-bidi-language:HE">)</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">, a case whose facts are not too dissimilar from this instant case, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">the Court of Appeal, per </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">JEAN OMOKRI, J.C.A</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> held as follows:</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: 2.25pt"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Though the Governor of a state has the power to appoint Civil Servants, he cannot remove such civil servant without following due process stated in the civil service rules and regulations. If the Governor wants to retire a civil servant for a just cause, then he must make a recommendation to that effect to the Civil Service Commission of the State which will do so in compliance with the law. Clearly, it is not the intention of the legislator that under Section 208(1) of the 1999 Constitution, a Governor can just retire a permanent secretary without any just cause.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">His Lordship further held: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">“In a democratic government where the rule of law prevails, a civil servant cannot be retired at will without complying with the Civil Service Rules and Regulations having Constitutional force and backing. See sections 197, 202 and Part II paragraph 2(2) of the 3rd Schedule to the 1999 Constitution. Presently, it is the duty of the Court to safeguard the rights and liberties of the individual and to protect him from any abuse or misuse of power.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The words of His Lordship represent the position of the law on this issue. See also the case of <b>ATTORNEY-GENERAL, CROSS RIVER STATE vs. OKON (supra) </b>which is also on all fours with the facts of this case. I must add that if the Claimant is to be retired compulsorily from the civil service of Imo State, then it must be done in accordance with the Civil Service Rules and Regulations. Beside the facts that it is the Civil Service Commission who has the responsibility to compulsorily retire or even dismiss the Claimant from service for genuine reasons, such compulsory retirement or dismissal must be on the basis of disciplinary action for an offence or misconduct. The compulsory retirement imposed on the Claimant in this case suggests that he was being disciplined for the commission of any crime or misconduct. However, there is no evidence that he committed any crime, offence or misconduct for which he was compulsorily retired. Even the Claimant’s retirement letter did not mention that the Claimant was retired from service for any alleged misconduct. The letter merely conveyed the retirement to the Claimant. In effect, the Claimant was retired from service before his retirement age and the reason was not on disciplinary ground. Without any doubt, the Claimant’s retirement from service leaves much to be desired.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant averred that he was born on 19/11/1956 and will attain the age of 60 years in November 2016 when he will be expected to retire from service, going by the provisions of the Public Service Rules. Section 31 of the Imo State Civil Service Commission Regulations 1984 provides that: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.25in;text-align:justify"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"A civil servant shall retire compulsorily on attainment of sixty years of age or thirty-five years of service, whichever is earlier. Six months before attaining the age of sixty years or thirty-five years of service, the staff shall give notice of retirement from the service. This is to ensure smooth hand-over/taking over and early processing of the retirement benefits. In all cases a civil servant in whatever grade shall be deemed to have retired from the service from the date he attains sixty years of age or thirty-five years of service". <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It is a fact which is not disputed, that the Claimant was retired before his retirement age. I have also found that the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant has no power to retire a Permanent Secretary or any civil servant for that matter under Section 208 of the 1999 constitution. Obviously, the Claimant was not retired in accordance with the civil service rules and regulations and neither was the proper procedure for the compulsory retirement of the Claimant followed in this matter. The Claimant is a civil servant, therefore, he cannot be retired at the pleasure of the Governor or without compliance with the Imo State Civil Service Rules and Regulations which governed his appointment. See </span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">NAWA vs. ATTORNEY GENERAL, CROSS RIVER STATE </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width: 122%;mso-bidi-language:HE">(supra) </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:122%;mso-bidi-language: HE">and<b> </b></span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">ATTORNEY-GENERAL, CROSS RIVER STATE vs. OKON (supra).</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Since the Defendants did not comply with the procedure provided by the civil service rules and regulations of Imo State 1984, their action in the purported retirement of the Claimant is a nullity. The retirement of the claimant is hereby set aside and all the reliefs sought by the Claimant are granted except relief (5) which has to be varied. In that relief, the Claimant has sought an order </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE">reinstating him as a Permanent Secretary in the Imo State Civil Service. As observed earlier, it is the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant who can make the appointment of Permanent Secretary and remove the person from same office. Although the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant cannot remove or retire the Claimant from the Civil Service, the action of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant can be taken to be removal of the Claimant from the office of Permanent Secretary. It is my view that this court cannot insist on the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant retaining the Claimant as a Permanent Secretary. In the circumstance, it is appropriate to fall back to the provision of Section 208 (5) which provides that the Claimant returns to the Civil Service.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the result, the court makes the following orders:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.75in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo4"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">i.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant is hereby re-instated into the Imo State Civil Service effective <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">from 30<sup>th</sup> May 2013 and he is to be placed in the position he is expected to be on returning into the Civil Service from the position of Permanent Secretary.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.75in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo4"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">ii.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant is to be paid all his </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language:HE">salaries, emoluments, allowances, </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.25in;text-align:justify;text-indent: .25in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language:HE">benefits and privileges accruing to him from May 2013.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE">No order as to cost.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:4.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE">Judgment is entered accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language:HE">Hon. Justice O. Y. Anuwe<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-font-width:107%;mso-bidi-language: HE">Judge</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.75in;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-font-width:120%;mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p>