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<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Representation</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">N. C. Ohakwe, with him, B. A. Ajuonuma, for the Claimant<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I. I. Amadi (Mrs.) Assistant Director, Civil Litigation, Ministry of Justice, Imo State, for the Defendants</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; color:red"> </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"">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-bidi-language:HE">On 7th July 2014, the Claimant filed an Originating Summons seeking the determination of the following questions: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; 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">Whether the Claimant is entitled to be paid salaries, allowances and gratuity fixed and determined by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission contained in memoranda/circulars made by the said Commission in February 2007 and addendum made in March 2007. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; 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">Whether the Claimant is entitled to be paid or given pension, allowances and privileges as provided for under the Imo State Governors and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law 2007. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;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">Upon the resolution of the above-stated questions, the Claimant sought the following reliefs:<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="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in;mso-text-indent-alt:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-language:HE"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span>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"; mso-bidi-language:HE">A Declaration that the Claimant is entitled to payment of his April and May 2011 salaries as Governor of Imo State. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in;mso-text-indent-alt:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-language:HE"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span>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"; mso-bidi-language:HE">A Declaration that the Claimant is entitled to payment of furniture allowance and severance gratuity from the Defendants. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in;mso-text-indent-alt:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-language:HE"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span>iii.<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 entitled to pension, allowances and privileges as provided for under the Imo State Governors and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law 2007. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in;mso-text-indent-alt:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-language:HE"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span>iv.<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">An order that the Defendants pay to the Claimant<span style="color:#8870D4"> </span>his April and May 2011 salaries as fixed and determined by the Federal Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission.<span style="color:#8870D4"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in;mso-text-indent-alt:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-language:HE"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span>v.<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">An order that the Defendants pay to the Claimant his furniture allowance and severance gratuity as fixed and determined by the Federal Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in;mso-text-indent-alt:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-language:HE"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span>vi.<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">An order that the Defendants pay and/or give to the Claimant his pension, allowances, and privileges provided for under the Imo State Governors and speakers pension and privileges law 2007. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in;mso-text-indent-alt:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-language:HE"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span>vii.<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">Interest at the rate of 10% from the date of judgment until the judgment debt is liquidated. <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">The Originating Summons was accompanied with a 20-paragraph Affidavit of facts deposed to by the Claimant. Five exhibits were annexed to the Affidavit as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-width:112%;mso-bidi-language:HE;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">a.<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-font-width:112%;mso-bidi-language:HE;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">EXHIBIT “A” - A Copy of the Claimant’s Certificate of Return issued by</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language: HE"> the Independent National Electoral Commission. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-width:112%;mso-bidi-language:HE;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">b.<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-font-width:112%;mso-bidi-language:HE;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">EXHIBIT “B” – The </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language:HE">Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission’s February 2007 Memoranda/Circular determining Political, Public and Judicial Officers’ remuneration package.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-width:112%;mso-bidi-language:HE;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">c.<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-font-width:112%;mso-bidi-language:HE;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">EXHIBIT “C”</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language: HE"> – The March 2007 addendum to the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission’s February 2007 Memoranda/Circular determining Political, Public and Judicial Officers’ remuneration package.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-width:112%;mso-bidi-language:HE;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">d.<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-font-width:112%;mso-bidi-language:HE;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">EXHIBIT “D”- The </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language:HE">Imo 'State Government Secretary’s Circular of 23/5/2007 conveying the approval of the Revised Remuneration Package for Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders in Imo State.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-width:112%;mso-bidi-language:HE;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">e.<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-font-width:112%;mso-bidi-language:HE;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">EXHIBIT “E” – a copy of </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language:HE">the Imo State Governors' and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law 2007. <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:#3F4440;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 accompanying written address, Learned Counsel for the Claimant stated by way of introduction, that the<span style="color:#3F4440"> </span>Claimant was democraticall<span style="color:#3F4440">y e</span>l<span style="color:#3F4440">e</span>ct<span style="color:#3F4440">e</span>d Governor of I<span style="color:#3F4440">m</span>o S<span style="color:#3F4440">t</span>at<span style="color:#3F4440">e i</span>n April 2007 and was sworn into office on 29/5/2007<span style="color:#3F4440">. </span>Th<span style="color:#3F4440">e </span>Cla<span style="color:#3F4440">i</span>mant left office at the end of his tenure on 28/5/2011. It was further stated that th<span style="color:#3F4440">e </span>Claimant had, based on determ<span style="color:#3F4440">i</span>nation of sala<span style="color:#3F4440">r</span>i<span style="color:#3F4440">e</span>s, allowances and gratuities made by the Revenue Mobilization, Allocat<span style="color:#3F4440">i</span>on and Fiscal Commission, demanded from th<span style="color:#3F4440">e </span>Defendants payment of his furniture allowance, severanc<span style="color:#3F4440">e </span>gratuity, and April and May 2011 s<span style="color:#3F4440">a</span>lari<span style="color:#3F4440">e</span>s but to no ava<span style="color:#3F4440">il</span>. That the Claimant had also demanded that the Defendants comply with and implement the provisions o<span style="color:#3F4440">f </span>Imo State Governors and Sp<span style="color:#3F4440">e</span>akers Pension and Privileg<span style="color:#3F4440">e</span>s L<span style="color:#3F4440">a</span>w but to no ava<span style="color:#3F4440">i</span>l, as follows: <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="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; 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">Pension for life at a rate equivalent to the salary of the incumbent Governor <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; 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">An official car, two personal aides provision of adequate security for his person during his lifetime at the expense of the State Government. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; 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">Allowances for a cook, steward, driver and gardener to be determined from time to time by Government. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; 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">Provision of medical attent<span style="color:#636665">i</span>on for his person subject to approval of the incumbent Governor. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.25in;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">Counsel proceeded to adopt the two issues raised in the Originating Summons for determination. He argued both issues together and referred the court to Paragraph 32(d) of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, to wit:<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";mso-bidi-language: HE">“32 –The Commission shall have power to…<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";mso-bidi-language: HE">(d) Determine the remuneration appropriate for political office holders, including the President, Vice-President, Governors, Ministers, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Legislators and the holders of the offices mentioned in sections 84 and 124 of this Constitution…”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;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">Counsel submitted that the above Constitutional provisions are unambiguous and should be given their plain ordinary meaning. He submitted further that the Court has the duty to be liberal in making constitutional interpretations. Thus, in the instant case no resort to any canon of interpretation is necessary. Counsel referred the Court to <b>MARWA vs. NYAKO (2012) 1 NWLR (Pt. 1296) 200 at 278-279</b>. Furthermore, Counsel stated that the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission has the constitutional power to determine the remuneration of political service holders including Governors. Exhibits B and C shows the salaries and allowances of Governors, the power of the Commission as earlier identified cannot be disputed in a law Court. See <b>A.G FEDERATION vs. ABUBAKAR (2007) 8 NWLR (Pt.1035) 117 at 144</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";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">Again, it is counsel’s contention that the Constitution is supreme and binding on the defendants. He submitted that the defendants are legally bound to pay the Claimant’s remuneration. <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-bidi-language:HE">Counsel submitted that the word “entitle”<i> </i>is defined by the Black's Law Dictionary as <b><i>“to grant a legal right to or quality for"</i></b> while "entitlement" is defined by the said dictionary as <b><i>“an absolute right to (Usually monetary benefit such as social security granted immediately upon meeting a legal requirement”</i></b>. Thus, by virtue of Sections 3 and 8 of the said law the Claimant has an absolute legal right to the pension, allowances and benefits specially and specifically stated in the said statute. The Defendants are mandatorily under statutory obligation to pay the pension, allowances and benefits to the Claimants. In conclusion, Counsel urged the Court to answer the two issues raised in the affirmative and grant all the reliefs sought by the Claimant. <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">In opposition to the Claimant’s processes, the Defendants, vide a motion for extension of time filed on 17<sup>th</sup> March 2016, filed a 10-paragraph counter-affidavit deposed to by Monica Adawai a litigation Officer in the office of the 3<sup>rd</sup> Defendant. This was regularized on the 13<sup>th</sup> day of April 2016. In the accompanying written address, Counsel raised one issue for determination as follows: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in"><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><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-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 his argument, counsel for the Defendants conceded that the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission has an undisputed power to determine the remuneration of Political office holders. Counsel submitted that the Claimant is not entitled to any of his claims, especially the payment of his April and May 2011 salaries which were paid before the Claimant vacated office on the 28<sup>th</sup> May 2011. Counsel based her submission on the principle of Equity that abhors a double portion. Thus, in Counsel’s words the “Claimant who has eaten his portion cannot be heard to demand for yet another portion”. On the issue of the payment of the furniture allowance as indicated by the Claimant’s Exhibit C and page 2 of Exhibit D; counsel argued that in these exhibits, furniture allowance is payable at the point of entry to those officers whose accommodations are not provided for in kind. These Exhibits list the Governor and Deputy Governor as officers to whom accommodations are provided for. It is the opinion of Counsel that the Claimant having provided accommodation at the Government House of Imo state during his tenure is not entitled to furniture allowance for the duration of that tenure. Counsel adopted the argument of the Claimant that the Court is to adopt a liberal interpretation of the constitution or any other Act. Thus, in the instant case no resort to any canon of interpretation is necessary. Counsel referred the Court to <b>MARWA vs. NYAKO (supra).<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><b><span style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language:HE">C</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language:HE">ounsel referred to the averment in paragraph 6(b) of the Defendant’s averment that the Claimant was paid his severance/gratuity before leaving office and submitted that he cannot be entitled to it again. Again, on the issue of his entitlements as provided for in the Imo State Governors and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law 2007; counsel argued that the law provided that furniture allowance is to be paid once in four years. Counsel argued further that it is in evidence that the Claimant left office in May 2011, the Claimant will be entitled to furniture allowance after four years of leaving office in 2015. Counsel submitted further that the Claimant’s reliefs having being filed in 2014, a period less than four years after he left office; the claim for furniture allowance is premature and the Court is enjoined not to entertain same. Counsel is of the opinion that this immediate preceding argument is applicable to the Claimant’s claim for transport allowance which comes into operation every 5 years. As at the time this suit was instituted, the Claimant was not entitled to this allowance. Counsel urged the Court to hold this suit is premature and an abuse of court process. On the issue of the payment of the Claimant’s pension, counsel referred to the Defendants’ counter affidavit in paragraph 6(f) and (g) where it was averred that the State Government is yet to pay the pensions/gratuities of retired civil servants due to paucity of funds and same will be paid subject to the availability of funds.<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">Counsel urged the court to take judicial notice of the fact that retired public servants are being owed backlog of arrears of pensions and gratuities in the State from 2007 till 2011; and refuse the Claimant’s claim for pensions. Counsel urged the court to resolve this issue in the negative and dismiss this suit on the basis that the Claimant is not entitled to any of his claims.<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="margin-left:2.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: .5in"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Court’s Decision<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the questions posed by the Claimant in the Originating Summons and the reliefs sought by him in these proceedings, the Claimant seeks this court to determine his claims on the strength of the 2007 Circular of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission and the Imo State Governors and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law 2007. The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) circulars and the Imo State Governors' and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law, exhibited by the Claimant to his affidavit, are those marked B, C and E. In his affidavit in support of the Originating Summons, the Claimant deposed to the fact that he served as the Governor of Imo State from 29/5/2007 to 28/5/2011. In February 2007, the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, which body has the constitutional function to determine the appropriate remuneration for political office holders, including Governors issued some Circulars, Exhibits B and C, in February 2007 and March 2007 determining the remuneration package for political, public and judicial officers. Following the circulars from the RMAFC, the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant on 23/5/2007 approved a Revised Remuneration Package for Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders in Imo State; and the Secretary to Imo State Government issued Exhibit D, a circular dated 23/5/2007, to that effect. The Claimant also averred that his annual basic salary was <s>N</s>2,223,705.00 and he is entitled to payment of salaries and also furniture allowance and severance gratuity which is 300% of his annual basic salary. He has not been paid his April and May 2011 salaries and his furniture allowance and severance gratuity till date. The Claimant averred further that in 2007, the Imo State Governors' and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law was enacted, which law made provisions for payment of pension and other benefits to, among others, former Governors and Deputy Governors. By that Law, he is entitled to pension and other benefits as a former Governor of Imo State but till date, he has not been paid pension and other benefits which he is entitled to under the law. He repeatedly demanded from the Defendants to pay him his salaries for April and May 2011, furniture allowance, severance gratuity, pension and other benefits but the Defendant have refused to pay. <o:p></o:p></span></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;">In paragraph 5 (a) of the Defendants counter affidavit, the Defendants admitted the depositions made by the Claimant in paragraphs 1 to 11, 14 and 15 of his affidavit. Among the Claimant’s facts admitted by the Defendant are the facts that-<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.75in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">i.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Claimant was the elected Governor of Imo State between 29/5/2007 and <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.25in;text-align:justify;text-indent: .25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">28/5/2011.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.75in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">ii.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The remuneration packages for political, public and judicial office holders as <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">determined by RMAFC is as contained in the circulars annexed by the Claimant as Exhibits B and C.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.75in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">iii.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Based on the remuneration package fixed by </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language: HE">Revenue Mobilization Allocation <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";mso-bidi-language: HE">and Fiscal Commission, the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant approved a revised remuneration package for political, public and judicial office holders in Imo State on 23/5/2007.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.75in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">iv.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Claimant’s annual basic salary was <s>N</s>2,223,705.00 and he is entitled to <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">payment of salaries, furniture allowance and severance gratuity at 300% of his salary.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.75in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">v.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Imo State Governors' and Speakers’ Pension and Privileges Law was <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">enacted in 2007 and it made provision for payment of pension and other benefits to former governors. By the law, the claimant is entitled to pension and other benefits on leaving office.<o:p></o:p></span></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 Defendants however deny the Claimant’s allegation that he has not been paid April and May 2011 salaries, furniture allowance, severance gratuity, pension and other benefits. In their counter affidavit, the Defendants contend further that the Claimant received his salaries for April and May 2011 and his severance gratuity before he left office on 28<sup>th</sup> May 2011. It was also averred that the Claimant is not entitled to payment of furniture and transport allowances because the claim is pre-mature. As for the Claimant’s claim for pension and gratuity, the Defendants averred that the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant is yet to pay pension and gratuity of retired civil servants and that the Claimant will be paid his pension when other retired civil servants are being paid.<o:p></o:p></span></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 Claimant is a former Governor of Imo State and he has based his claim on the provisions of Circulars from the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission and the Imo State Governors and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law 2007. These instruments are those referred by the Claimant as Exhibits B, C and E in his affidavit. Exhibits B and C, circulars from the RMAFC on remuneration package for political, public and judicial officers, provide for salaries and allowances payable to political, public and judicial officers. The affected officers include State Governors. Imo State Government has also approved the Revised Remuneration Package for Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders in the state vide the circular dated 23/5/2007 and annexed by the claimant as Exhibit D. Exhibit E, the Imo State Governors' and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law, provides for the payment of pension and other allowances and benefits to former Governors of Imo State. From the facts of this case, the fact that the Claimant is entitled to salaries, furniture allowance, severance gratuity, pension and other benefits prescribed by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and in the Imo State Governors' and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law are not in dispute. What is in dispute is whether the Claimant has been paid or not. Therefore, the two questions raised by the Claimant for determination in this suit are answered in the affirmative. The matter does not end there however. The question whether the Claimant is entitled to the reliefs sought by him must be considered.<o:p></o:p></span></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;">According to the Claimant, his case is that since he left office on 28<sup>th</sup> May 2011, his salaries for April and May 2011, furniture allowance, severance gratuity, pension and other benefits have not been paid to him. When the Defendants denied the Claimant’s allegation that he has not been paid his April and May 2011 salaries and severance gratuity, one would expect that they will proceed to show evidence of the payment of the said salaries and severance gratuity to the Claimant. Bruno Nwachukwu, who deposed to the Defendants’ counter affidavit, merely stated that the Claimant was paid his salaries for April and May 2011 and severance gratuity before he vacated office but the deponent failed to supply this court with proof of the payment. The Claimant’s allegation that he has not been paid has effectively shifted the burden to the Defendants to prove otherwise. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Once the Claimant avers that he has not been paid, the burden is on the Defendant to prove that the Claimant has received the monies. Since there is nothing before this court to show proof that the said salaries and severance gratuity were paid, or that the Claimant received payment of the said salaries and severance gratuity from the Defendant, it is my view that merely stating that the Claimant was paid does not discharge the Defendant’s burden of proving that such payment was made. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nothing has been presented before this court to convince the court that the Claimant has been paid his salaries for April and May 2011 and severance gratuity. The effect is that the Claimant’s allegation that the salaries and severance gratuity have not been paid has not been disproved.<o:p></o:p></span></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 Claimant’s claim also included claim for payment of furniture allowance. In paragraph 6 (d) and (e) of their counter affidavit, the Defendants averred that as at the time the Claimant brought this suit, he was not entitled to payment of furniture allowance, and that the claim for furniture allowance under the Imo State Governors and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law 2007 is premature. In his written address, the Defendants counsel submitted that the Claimant was provided with official accommodation while he was Governor, as such, he was not entitled to furniture allowance. Counsel also argued that by the provision of Imo State Governors and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law 2007, the Claimant is not entitled to furniture allowance because it is due once every four years on leaving office. Let me mention that the Claimant’s specific claim for furniture allowance is based on the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and not under the Imo State Governors and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law 2007. This is clear in relief 5 sought by the Claimant. He specifically sought for payment of furniture allowance as fixed and determined by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). The Claimant only made a general claim for his entitlements under the Imo State Governors and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law 2007. In any event, since it appears furniture allowance was provided for in both the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) circular and Imo State Governors and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law, I will consider whether Claimant entitled to it under either of the provisions. <o:p></o:p></span></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;">In Exhibit B annexed by the Claimant, which is the circular by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), furniture allowance payable to political, public and judicial office holders is stated to be 300% of basic salary but those provided official accommodation are exempted. In the circular dated 23/5/2007 issued by Imo State Government, it was indicated that accommodation and furniture for the Governor of Imo State were to be provided. The implication of the combined provisions of the two instruments is that the Claimant, as Governor of Imo State, was not entitled to payment of the furniture allowance as he was provided with both accommodation and furniture. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language: HE">It is pertinent at this point to observe that the Claimant has not indicated anywhere in his affidavit that he was not provided accommodation during his tenure as Governor of Imo State. <o:p></o:p></span></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;">In the 1<sup>st</sup> schedule to the Imo State Governors and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law 2007, 300% of annual basic salary of incumbent Governor is payable to former Governors as furniture allowance. This sum is payable every 4 years. The Defendants counsel did argue that the Claimant left office in May 2011 and by the said Law, he will be entitled to furniture allowance after 4 years of leaving office. According to counsel, since the Claimant brought this suit less than a period of 4 years of leaving office, the claim for furniture allowance is premature. First of all, this is a clear misinterpretation of the provisions of the Imo State Governors and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law 2007. The provision that the sum if payable every 4 years means that the furniture allowance is a four year payment/duration and not that four years must lapse after leaving office before it is paid. In my view, the sum is due and payable at any time within the four years. Secondly, as I understand the Claimant’s case, he only wanted a declaration of his rights or entitlements under the Imo State Governors and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law 2007 and an enforcement of those rights or entitlements. The time at which he demands his rights under the law or brought a suit to claim his rights does not affect the claim or make the claim premature. Without much fuss on this point, the Imo State Governors and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law 2007 is clear on the fact that the Claimant is entitled to furniture allowances every four years after leaving office.<o:p></o:p></span></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;">On the Claimant’s claim for pension, the Defendants have in their </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-language:HE">counter affidavit and written address in opposition to the originating summons, clearly admitted and have undertaken to pay when other retired civil servants in Imo State are being paid their pension. In paragraph 6(f) and (g) of the counter affidavit, it is averred that the State Government is yet to pay the pensions/gratuities of retired civil servants due to paucity of funds and same will be paid subject to the availability of funds. This is clearly an admission; and facts admitted need no further proof; especially as counsel for the Defendants has conceded that the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission has an undisputed power to determine the remuneration of Political office holders. The Defendants have clearly admitted that the Claimant is entitled to his pension and gratuity but it has not been paid to him.<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:red;mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">In view of the foregoing, save for furniture allowance prescribed by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission in its circular of February 2007 which I find the Claimant not entitled to, all other reliefs sought by the Claimant are granted. He is entitled to be paid his salaries for April and May 2011 and severance gratuity as fixed by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission and also entitled to be paid pension, allowances and other benefits as provided for in the Imo State Governors and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law 2007. <o:p></o:p></span></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;">For the avoidance of doubt, the Defendants are hereby ordered as follows-<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">i. Immediately pay to the Claimant his salaries for April and May 2011;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">ii. Immediately pay to the Claimant his severance gratuity as fixed and determined by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission; and<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">iii. Immediate compliance with the provisions of the Imo State Governors and Speakers Pension and Privileges Law 2007 by paying to the Claimant his pension, allowances and privileges under the said law.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">No order as to cost.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in"><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Judgment is entered accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hon. Justice O. Y. Anuwe<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in;text-align:justify;text-indent: -.5in"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Judge<o:p></o:p></span></p>