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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">REPRESENTATION:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">E. D. Okagbue Esq. appeared for the Claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Chief Charles Ogbo Esq. appeared for the Defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">JUDGMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant in this case approached this Honourable Court and filed a Complaint dated 19<sup>th</sup> day of March, 2012 on the 30<sup>th</sup> day of March, 2012. He claims against the defendants jointly and severally as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto;text-align:justify; text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">1.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A declaration</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> that the dismissal of the Claimant after 17 years of meritorious service is unlawful, illegal and devoid of fair hearing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">2.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">An Order</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> of this Court nullifying the dismissal letter issued to the Claimant on the 20<sup>th</sup> day of December, 2011 by the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">3.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">An Order</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> of this Honourable Court directing the 1<sup>st</sup> and 2<sup>nd</sup> Defendants to re-absorb the Claimant back to the fold with all salaries and benefits restored.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">4.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">An Order </span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">of this court directing the 1<sup>st</sup> and 2<sup>nd</sup> Defendants to pay the sum of N3,000,000.00 to the Claimant for unlawful dismissal, cost of litigation, public embarrassment, character assassination and psychological torture brought on the Claimant based on spurious allegation of aggrieved 3<sup>rd</sup> party.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Complaint had accompanying it a Statement of facts, list of documents and copies of documents to be relied upon at trial. The Claimant’s Statement on oath was subsequently filed on 6<sup>th</sup> of August 2012.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Upon being served with the Claimant’s processes, the defendants entered appearance and filed their statement of Defence with its accompanying processes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The case proceeded to trial wherein the Claimant called two witnesses, CW1 and CW2 and tendered Exhibits A, B, C, D, E and F. The Defendants called one witness DW1 and tendered Exhibits G, H, I and J.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">At the close of hearing parties filed and adopted their respective final written addresses. Learned defendants’ counsel filed his final written address dated 6<sup>th</sup> January, 2015 but filed on 30<sup>th</sup> January, 2015. The Claimant’s counsel filed his own written address dated 10<sup>th</sup> March, 2015 but was filed on 16<sup>th</sup> of March 2015. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In his final address the learned Defendants counsel formulated and argued one issue for the court’s determination, namely, whether the dismissal of the claimant by the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant was wrongful or not?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On his own part, the learned claimant’s counsel formulated and argued three issue for determination as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto;text-align:justify; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">1.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether the Defendants in this case have been able to prove the allegations levelled against the Claimant for which they issued letter of dismissal to him?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">2.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether the Defendants in this case accorded enough fair-hearing and fair trial to the Claimant throughout the length and breadth of the evidence adduced as to that investigation, trial and dismissal?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">3.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether the Claimant is entitled to judgment in his favour as claimed in his pleadings?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I have carefully considered the processes filed, the evidence led as well as the arguments and submissions of learned counsel to the parties in this case. The issue that arises for determination is whether from the totality of the pleadings and evidence led, the Claimant has proved his case to entitle him to the reliefs sought?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant was an employee of the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant until his dismissal by a letter dated 20<sup>th</sup> December, 2011. The said dismissal was occasioned upon allegation of misconduct levelled against the Claimant in the course of his employment and involving WAEC/SSCE at Unique Comprehensive Secondary School Amawbia, by the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant. The Claimant challenges the said dismissal primarily on the ground that it did not comply with the Conditions of Service of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant and is against the doctrine of fair hearing and fair trial. The Claimant is essentially claiming that the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant breached the Conditions of Service which governs the employment relationship between them. He further averred that there was no fair hearing given to him before the said dismissal.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Before going into the issue for determination let me say a word on an assumption made by the learned Defendants’ counsel on the point of adoption of the Claimant’s witnesses Statements’ on oath. The learned Claimant’s counsel has argued throughout his final written address that the CW1 and CW2 did not adopt their respective statements on oath. I do not know the basis of the learned counsel’s submission. This is because the two witnesses each went into the witness box and adopted their respective statements on oath. This was in fact the basis upon which the learned Defendants’ counsel conducted cross examination of both witnesses. See for instance proceedings of 25<sup>th</sup> October 2012 at p. 19 of the case file record of the Honourable Court. Learned Defendants’ counsel’s submission in that regard therefore is hereby discountenanced.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">To the issue for determination, it is trite in our law and practice in civil causes and matters that it is the duty of the Claimant to prove his case with the preponderance of evidence led or the balance of probabilities. Discharging this burden of proof is the duty of the Claimant before, where necessary, it may shift. See the case of NNAEMEKA OKOYE & ORS v. OGUGUA NWANKWO(2014) LPELR-SC.234/2004; <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The burden of proof in civil cases has two distinct meanings, viz. (a) The first is the burden of proof as a matter of law and the pleadings usually referred to as legal burden or the burden of establishing a case.; (b) The second is the burden of proof in the sense of adducing evidence usually described as the evidential burden. While the legal burden of proof is always stable or static the burden of proof in the second sense i.e. evidential burden of proof may oscillate constantly according as one scale of evidence or the other preponderates. In civil cases, while the burden of proof in the sense of establishing the case initially lies on the plaintiff, the proof or rebuttal of issues which arise in the course of proceedings may shift from the plaintiff to the defendants and vice-versa as the case progresses. Federal Mortgage Finance Ltd v. Ekpo (2004) 2 NWLR (Pt.856) 100 at 130 per Olagunju JCA; Balogun v. Labiran (1988) 3 NWLR (pt.80) 66; Nwosu v Udeoja (1990) 1 NWLR (Pt.125) 188; Elemo v. Omolode (1968) NMLR 359; Chigwu v. Baptist Convention (1968) 2 ALL NLR 294: Adegoke v. Adibu (1992) 5 NWLR (pt.242) 410." Per PETER-ODILI, J.S.C. (Pp. 36-37, paras. D-B)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">There is no dispute between the parties that what triggered off this suit is the dismissal letter issued to the Claimant, Exhibit D. Let me reproduce its content for ease of reference:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> <i>L/P/9690 20<sup>th</sup> December, 2011<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Mr Dennis O. Anyansi<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> WAEC Branch Office<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Awka<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Dear Mr Anyansi<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> <b><u>DISMISSAL</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Management considered the report of the panel that investigated your involvement in the illegal registration at Unique Comprehensive Secondary School, Amawbia, Awka, Anambra State.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It observed that your action amounted to gross misconduct which contravenes Chapter 10.06(b)(i)(x)(xiv) of the Conditions of Service for National Staff of Council in Nigeria (2005 Edition).<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It therefore decided that you be dismissed from the services of the West African Examinations Council.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">You are, accordingly, <b><u>DISMISSED</u></b> from the services of the Council with immediate effect.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Please hand over all Council’s properties in your possession, including Staff Identity Card, to the Branch Controller, Awka.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Kindly acknowledge the receipt of this letter by signing the attached duplicate copy and returning same to the undersigned through the Branch Controller, Awka.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Yours sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Signed<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A.O. FABORO<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ag. Head (HRM)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">For: Head of National Office<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">AOF:dad/Dec.2011<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This dismissal letter has expressly referred to the provisions of the Conditions of Service, Exhibit F. The relevant paragraphs are 10.06(b)(i)(x)(xiv) of the said Conditions of Service made in 2005.These paragraphs state the offences which the Claimant was said to have been found guilty about which led to his dismissal.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On the other hand the Claimant averred that the 1<sup>st</sup> and 2<sup>nd</sup> Defendants failed to comply with the provisions of Chapter 10.15 of the said Conditions of Service, Exhibit F, before terminating his appointment by dismissal. See paragraphs 18, 19 and 20 of the Statement of Facts establishing the cause of action. See also paragraphs 20, 21, 22 and 23 of the Claimant’s statement on oath. In presenting his case the Claimant alleged that it was one Miss Ekene Obi, the Proprietress of the Unique Comprehensive Secondary School, Amawbia, Awka, Anambra State that masterminded his dismissal from the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant following his jilting of her over marriage. However, the more critical point made by the Claimant is that the Defendants failed to follow due process in conducting investigation into allegations of misconduct against him before he was dismissed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The learned defendants’ counsel in his written address argued that the Claimant has not made out his case to warrant the nullification of his dismissal. He submitted that the dismissal followed due process. That the Claimant was given a query, Exhibit B; he replied it in his own handwriting, Exhibit C, following which he was dismissed by the letter admitted as Exhibit D. Learned counsel submitted that in his reply to the query, Exhibit C, the Claimant admitted he knew Messrs Mezue Ilona and Nwokoye and he introduced them to the Unique Comprehensive Secondary School Amawbia for registration of May/June 2011 WASSCE. That he also knew the proprietress of the school Miss Ekene Obi. Learned counsel then submitted that by the decision in <b>B.A. Imonikhe vs Unity Bank Plc (2011) 12 NWLR (P. 1262), p. 624, Ratio 5 at 640, </b>the Supreme Court held that where an employer accuses an employeeof misconduct by way of a query and allows the employee to answer the query, and the employee answers the query before the employer takes a decision on the employment of the employee, that has satisfied the requirement of fair hearing. This is because the employee has answered the employer’s query before he was dismissed from his employment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">From the evidence before the court, the Claimant was alleged to have committed acts which amounted to major offences for which the punishment is dismissal from employment. The Claimant has admitted to his relationship with the proprietress of the school where the incident took place. I am convinced that from the state of the pleading and evidence the Claimant had engaged in the act of participating in organizing of students for WAEC examination at the Secondary School in which Miss Ekene Obi was the proprietress. According to him he informed two people who enquired about whether the Secondary School at which Miss Ekene Obi was the Proprietress was still a WAEC Centre that it was still a Centre. See paragraph 14 of the Statement of Facts establishing the cause of action and paragraphs 14, 15 and 16 of the Statement on oath of the Claimant. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The claimant’s case simply seems to be that the he was not given fair hearing. Although he sought to place all his woes over the failed relationship with Miss Ekene Obi, his assumption was proved wrong with the contents of Exhibit G, the petition over examination malpractice, showing that it was actually not made by the said Miss Ekene Obi but by another person, one Ideba Cyril. Exhibit H also is the report of the investigation conducted by 1<sup>st</sup> defendant which involved the DW1. The report was on the investigation of the alleged misconduct which involved the claimant. It was titled “RE: UNCOVER OF MASS CHEATING IN A SCHOOL (CENTRE 4050617) dated 8<sup>th</sup> August, 2011. The report indicted the claimant as having brought 93 external candidates to the School, Unique Comprehensive Secondary School Amawbia, on behalf of Messrs. Nwaokoye and Collins “Calculus”. From the contents of the report the duo of the Claimant and one Okonisa Emeka acted in concert to assist the duo of Nwaokoye and Collins Calculus to register the external students at the said Unique Comprehensive Secondary School, Amawbia, Anambra State. The Claimant denied any knowledge of the stated transactions. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sequel to the report, the Claimant was queried and the letter of query was tendered and admitted by the court as Exhibit B, wherein all the allegations of the committee that investigated the petition at the Unique Comprehensive Secondary School Amawbia were presented to him for his reply. The query was issued by the Branch Controller, WAEC, Awka to the Claimant. The body of it reads as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> <i>REF: AW/BC/M/J11/Q/005 DATE: 26<sup>th</sup> August, 2011<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.5in"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">RE: MASS CHEATING/GROSS EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE AND MISCONDUCT AT UNIQUE COMP. SEC SCH, AMWBIA<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.5in"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On Tuesday, 2<sup>nd</sup> August 2011, Awka Office received an official directive from the Acting Head (TAD) to investigate alleged cases of mass cheating, gross examination malpractice and general misconduct at Unique Comp. Secondary School, Amawbia. (4050617) during the conduct of the May/June 2011 WASSCE. The report on the investigation revealed among other things that you:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">1.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">registered 93 external candidates who grossly undermined the rules guiding the conduct of the examination.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">2.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">brought the first 46 candidates and agreed to pay N9000 per candidate.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">3.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">made an initial payment of N300,000 and issued a Union Bank cheque which bounced.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">4.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">introduced one Mr Collins Aka (Calculus) who brought 47 candidates, and still owing the institution N112,000.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">5.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">later paid N20,000 through a lady and the school issued a receipt in your name.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It was also revealed that up till date, the balance of the registration fee from your group has not been paid.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">You are expected to react to all the allegations concerning your involvement in the registration of external candidates at the school, thereafter, you are to explain why you should not be disciplined for the embarrassment caused the Council as a result of your involvement in the illegal registration of external candidates.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Your response should reach me before the close of work today, Friday 26<sup>th</sup> August, 2011.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Signed<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Bakare, M.O.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> For: Branch Controller<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant’s reply, Exhibit C is as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> <i>Anyansi Dennis<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> WAEC<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Awka<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> 26<sup>th</sup> August, 2011<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;text-indent:.5in"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Branch Controller<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;text-indent:.5in"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">WAEC,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;text-indent:.5in"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Awka,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;text-indent:.5in"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sir,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">REPLY TO QUERY WITH REF. NO AW/BC/M/J11/Q/005 DATED THE 26<sup>TH</sup> AUGUST, 2011 WITH THE HEADING: RE:MASS CHEATING/GROSS EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE AND MISCONDUCT AT UNIQUE COMP. SEC. SCH. AMAWBIA<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I humbly refer you to the above subject matter in the morning of Friday, the 26<sup>th</sup> day of August 2011, a query with the above caption was handed over to me. I hereby replied (sic) as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Two of my friends messrs Mezie Iloama and Nwokoye visited me to enquire from me where to register for the May/June 2011 WASSCE. I then now introduced them to Unique Comprehensive Secondary School, Amawbia for registration of May/ June 2011 WASSCE. The proprietress of the School is my Landlady, as I am residing in Amawbia.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It is also pertinent to state that I was not in anyway involved in any of these.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">1.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Registration of 93 external candidates who grossly undermined the rules guiding the conduct of the Examination.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">2.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Brought the first 46 candidates and agreed to pay N9000 per candidate.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">3.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Made an initial payment of N300,000 and issued a Union Bank Cheque which bounced.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">4.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Introduced one Mr Collins Aka (Calculus) who brought 47 candidates and still owing the institution N112,000.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">5.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Later paid N20,000.00 through a lady and the school issued receipt in my name.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I did not belong to any group, if any group is owing the institution any balance of registration fee, I do not know. I am not involved in the registration of external candidates on any school.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I did not at any time embarrassed (sic) the Council and I am not involved in the illegal registration of external candidates.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I thank you so immensely for the kind cooperation of my explanations.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Yours’ Faithfully<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Signed<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Anyansi, D.O.</span></i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The two pieces of evidence above show that the Claimant has denied all the allegations against him by the defendants. However, he has admitted introducing his two friends, Mezie Illoama and Nwaokoye, to the proprietress of the Unique Comprehensive Secondary School Amawbia of the 2011 WASSCE. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant has argued that the Defendants did not comply with the Conditions of Service of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant before his dismissal. He specifically pointed to paragraph 10.15 of the said Conditions of Service, admitted as Exhibit F, which were not complied with by the defendants. The relevant provisions of Paragraph 10.15 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) of the Conditions of Service state as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> <i>10.15 PROCEDURE TO ESTABLISH GUILT OF A MAJOR OFFENCE<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">If an employee is accused of a major offence the following procedures shall be followed:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">(a)<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The employee shall be notified in writing of his offence and he shall be given a full opportunity to defend himself.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">(b)<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The matter shall be investigated by the Head of Office or his representative.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">(c)<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">If witnesses are called to give evidence the employee shall be entitled to be present and put questions to them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">(d)<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">No documentary evidence shall be used against the employee unless he had been previously supplied with a copy thereof or given access thereto.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">(e)<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The penalty to be imposed shall be in conformity with the gravity of the offence committed. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">(f)<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">If the offending staff is a senior staff i.e. on ECSS 07 and above, the recommended penalty shall be presented to the Nigeria Administrative and Finance Committee for approval.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Recommended penalties for junior staff on ECSS 04-06 are only presented to the Administrative and Finance Committee for ratification.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Staff on ECSS 01-03 shall be handled at the divisional level by the Departmental Appointments and Disciplinary Committee.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant alleged non-compliance with sub-paragraphs (a), (c), (d) and (f). The learned claimant’s counsel submitted that there was no due process in the trial of the claimant and therefore his dismissal must be declared null and void, relying on the case of <b><i>Mr Saadu a Saliman vs Kwarapoly & Ors (2006) 6 WRN 30 pp 34 ratio 1</i></b>and<b><i>Federal Polytechnic Mubi vs Musa (1998) ISCNJ 11 pp 17-18.</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Responding to this argument of the Claimant the defendants maintained that the dismissal of the Claimant followed due process and their learned counsel placed reliance on the case of <b><i>Imonikhe vs Unity Bank Plc, supra.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">From the pleading and evidence before the court, the claimant has been dismissed for misconduct by the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant. Misconduct has been defined in the case of <b><i>New Nigerian Bank Plc vs G.C. Osunde (1998) 9 NWLR (Pt. 416) 725 CA </i></b>as: <i>“a conduct of grave and weighty character, as to undermine the relationship of confidence and trust, which should exist between employer and his employee. An act of the employee which is against the interest of his employer amounts to gross misconduct which entitles an employer to summarily dismiss that employee”. </i>In the instant case, the alleged misconduct related to the examination malpractice which involved the claimant joining hands with others to provide external students to the Unique Comprehensive Secondary school, Amawbia. The court has to weigh the pieces of evidence adduced by both sides by putting them on the scale of justice and determining where it goes. In this regard, although the claimant has denied the allegations against him, the fact of his taking the two friends he mentioned, Mezie Illoama and Nwaokoye, to the proprietress of the school is evidence which shows that the claimant, in my humble view, had gone beyond what he could do as an employee of the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant. In other words, the evidence tilts against the Claimant in establishing a relationship between him and the school on an issue of the examination for which the investigation found the claimant and others culpable. The evidence of the malpractice against the claimant as contained in the report tendered as exhibit G is more believable as his mere denial, especially in view of his admission that he knew and dealt with the two friends and the proprietress of the secondary school cannot avail him. I so find.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The main point however is the issue of the failure of the defendants to grant fair hearing to the claimant. It is trite that any employee who is accused of any misconduct must be heard before he is dismissed. Fair hearing in this regard means giving the Claimant the opportunity to state his own side of the story. In the case of <b><i>B. A. Imonikhe vs Unity Bank Plc (2011), supra, </i></b>the point was clearly made by his Lordship, Rhodes Vivour JSC, at page 648, that fair hearing can be satisfied by query and answer. He said:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Audi alteram partem is a maxim denoting basic fairness. It is a canon of natural justice that has its roots in the old testament. The Good Lord heard Adam before he passed sentence. It simply means hear the other side. See F.C.S.C. vs Laoye (1989) 2 NWLR (Pt. 106) p. 652; Akande v. State (1988) 3 NWLR (Pt. 85) p. 681. Accusing an employee of misconduct, etc by way of query and allowing the employee to answer the query, and the employee answers it before a decision is taken satisfies the requirements of fair hearing or natural justice. The appellant was given fair hearing since he answered the queries before he was dismissed…the appellant answered the queries…but the respondent did not find the answers satisfactory, and so he was dismissed.</span></i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="FD874B3D" style='width:468pt;height:305.25pt;visibility:visible; mso-wrap-style:square'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Ajax\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.png" o:title="FD874B3D"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img width="624" height="407" src="file:///C:/Users/Ajax/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.jpg" alt="FD874B3D" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_4"><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p>