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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><b><u><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">REPRESENTATION:<o:p></o:p></span></u></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"">A. C. N. Agugbe Esq. holding brief of O.C. Chikezie Esq. for the Claimant/Respondent.<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"">Mrs Ifesinachi Umeobika, Legal Officer, Ministry of Justice, Enugu State appeared for the Defendants/Applicants.<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><u><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">RULING<o:p></o:p></span></u></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"">By an Amended Statement of Claim dated 29<sup>th</sup> day of November, 2013 which was filed on 3<sup>rd</sup> December, 2013 the Claimant prays the court for the following reliefs against the defendants jointly and severally:<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:l6 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">a.<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;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">An order setting aside the letter written by the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant/respondent DATED 27/5/2011, REF NO ESBS/S.60/T/VOL.II/140 to the claimant and a declaration that same null and void and of no effect whatsoever.<o:p></o:p></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:l6 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">b.<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;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A declaration that the claimant’s purported retirement from the services of the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant/respondent, based on the facts contained in the said letter of 27/5/2011 is premature and therefore wrongful, unlawful and illegal hence, his appointment subsist and he is occupying his position as Deputy Director of Commercial Services in the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant/respondent.<o:p></o:p></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:l6 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">c.<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;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A declaration that the claimant is entitled to stay in the services of the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant/respondent until he attains the mandatory 60 years of age or 35 years of service.<o:p></o:p></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:l6 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">d.<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;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">An order for the immediate re-statement(sic) of the claimant into office, and paying of all his entitlement from 27/5/2011 until judgment is delivered in this case.<o:p></o:p></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:l6 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">e.<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;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The sum of N5 million only, being general damages for wrongful retirement of the claimant from the services of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant/respondent.<o:p></o:p></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:l6 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">f.<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;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">An injunction restraining the respondents, their agents, servants and privies from interfering with the claimant’s employment until he attains the mandatory age of 60 years of age or 35 years of service.<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" 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"">On the 31<sup>st</sup> day of January, 2014 the Defendants filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection dated 30<sup>th</sup> January, 2014 praying for the following reliefs:<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 lfo2"><!--[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]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">AN ORDER dismissing suit NIC/EN/31/2012 filed on the 21<sup>st</sup> March, 2012 for want of jurisdiction by being statute barred.<o:p></o:p></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 lfo2"><!--[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]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">AND FOR SUCH FUTHER ORDER(S) as this court may deem fit to make in the circumstance.<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" 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 particulars of objection were stated 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:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto;text-align:justify; text-indent:-.5in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">(i)<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;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This suit is not commenced within three (3) months next after the act or default complained as stipulated under Section 2(a) of the Public Officers Protection Act.<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:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.5in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">(ii)<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;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> defendants/applicants are not juristic persons and as such cannot sue or be sued.<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:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.5in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">(iii)<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;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">There is no reasonable cause of action against the 2<sup>nd</sup>, 3<sup>rd</sup> and 4<sup>th</sup> Defendants.<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;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The said Notice of objection was supported by an affidavit of 8 paragraphs deposed to by Barr Uche Nnamani a senior legal officer in the office of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant/Applicant. Annexed to the affidavit are ExhibitsD1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6 and D7. There is also a written address in support. In the said written address learned defendants/applicants counsel formulated and argued the following issues for determination:<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:l5 level1 lfo4"><!--[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]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether or not this action is statute barred having regard to the provisions of Section 2(a) of the Public Officers Protection Act, Cap P41, LFN 2004?<o:p></o:p></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:l5 level1 lfo4"><!--[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]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether the 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> defendants/applicants are juristic persons that can sue and be sued?<o:p></o:p></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:l5 level1 lfo4"><!--[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]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether there is any reasonable cause of action against the 2<sup>nd</sup>, 3<sup>rd</sup> and 4<sup>th</sup> defendants so as to make them necessary parties to this suit?<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" 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 filed a counter-affidavit of 9 paragraphs against the preliminary objection deposed by the claimant himself. Attached to the said counter-affidavit are Exhibits A1, A1b, A2a, A2b, A3a, A3b, A4a and A4b. There is also a written address in opposition to the preliminary objection. The learned defendants/applicants counsel on 6<sup>th</sup> May, 2015 filed a reply on points of law.<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" 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 learned claimants counsel formulated and argued the following issues for the determination of the Court:<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:l7 level1 lfo5"><!--[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]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether or not the claimant’s action is statute barred in view of the provisions of S. 30(1) and (2) of the Enugu State Broadcasting Service Law Cap. 42, Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004?<o:p></o:p></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:l7 level1 lfo5"><!--[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]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> defendants/applicants are juristic persons within the meaning of S. 18(1), (2) and S. 22(1) of the Enugu State Broadcasting Service Law Cap 42, Revised Law of Enugu State 2004?<o:p></o:p></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:l7 level1 lfo5"><!--[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]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether there is any reasonable cause of action against the 2<sup>nd</sup>, 3<sup>rd</sup> and 4<sup>th</sup> defendants/applicants?<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" 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"">I have carefully considered the processes filed as well as the arguments and submissions of the parties on the preliminary objection raised by the defendants/applicants. The issues for determination are 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="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:l4 level1 lfo6"><!--[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]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether or not this suit of the Claimant is statute barred?<o:p></o:p></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:l4 level1 lfo6"><!--[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]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether or not the 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> defendants/applicants are juristic persons?<o:p></o:p></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:l4 level1 lfo6"><!--[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]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether there is any reasonable cause of action against the 2<sup>nd</sup>, 3<sup>rd</sup> and 4<sup>th</sup> defendants?<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" 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"">On the first issue, the defendants/applicants (the applicants) have argued that the suit of the claimant is statute barred having been brought about ten months from the date on which the cause of action arose. The Claimant was retired on 27/5/11 by the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant but only approached this Honourable Court on the 21<sup>st</sup> of March, 2012. The learned applicants’ counsel contended that by virtue of the provisions of Section 2(a) of the Public Officers (Protection) Act, Cap P41, Laws of the Federation, 2004, the claimant should have filed his suit within three month from the date the alleged injury was committed against him, in this case the wrongful retirement from the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant. Learned Applicants’ counsel cited and relied on the decisions in <b><i>Ibrahim vs Judicial Service Committee, Kaduna (1998) 14 NWLR (Pt. 584) 1</i></b>; <b><i>Egbe vs Adefarasin (1987) 1 NWLR (Pt. 47) 1 at 20; Adekoya vs FHA (2008) 11 NWLR (Pt. 1009) 539; Dr Charles Oledeunde Williams v Madam Williams(2008) 33 WRN 1 at 17-18 </i></b>amongst others. <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" 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"">On his own part, learned counsel for the Claimant/respondent (the respondent) argued that the suit is not statute barred by referring to the provisions of Section 30(1) of the Enugu State Broadcasting Service Law Cap 42 Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004 which provides that a claimant must file his suit within twelve months from the date that cause of action arose. This is as against the three months stated in Section 2(a) of the Public Officers Protection Act, Cap P41, LFN 2004 which stipulates the period of three months from the date of the accrual of the cause of action. He argued that the specific provision in the law of the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant must prevail over the general law relied upon by the Applicants in urging the court to hold that the matter is statute barred. He relied on the decision of <b><i>Aiyelabegan vs Local Government Service Commission Kwara State (2000) 2 WRN (Pt. 108) at 125 Ratio 23.<o:p></o:p></i></b></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" 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"">Having considered the facts and circumstances of the case as well as the authorities cited and relied upon by the parties, the issue of statute bar is determined by examining the processes of the Claimant alone. The court should determine the cause of action of the claimant and the date on which it arose. Thereafter the court should measure that against the date on which the suit was filed to find out if the claimant acted within the time limit set by the limitation law or not. If it is found that he filed the suit within the period stipulated by the limitation law then the suit will not be declared statute barred. But where it is found that the suit filed outside the time limit set by the limitation law then the suit must be declared statute barred. See <b><i>Elabanjo v Dawodu [2006] 6-7 SC 24.</i></b>;<b><i>CPC & Ors vs INEC & Ors (2011) 12 SCNJ 644 at 649; Adejumo & Ors vs Olawaiye (2014) Vol. 5-7 MJSC 52 at 77; A-G Adamawa State & Ors vs A.G.F. (2014) Vol. 6-7 MJSC (Pt. III) 124 </i></b>and <b><i>JFS Investments Ltd vs Brawal Line Ltd & 2 Ors (2010) 12 SCNJ 307.<o:p></o:p></i></b></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" 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"">In this case it is clear that the learned Claimant’s counsel has not so much attacked the fact of the defendants being public officers so that they could seek for the protection of the provisions of Section 2(a) of the Public Officers Protection Act. He rather raised the issue of the legal personality of the 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> defendants/applicants which I shall determine in issue two. However, what seems to be the narrowed down issue is whether it is the provisions of Section 2(a) of the Public Officers Protection Act, Cap P41, LFN 2004 that would be used in determining the limitation period, which is three months, or that of Section 30(1) of the ESBS Law, Cap 42, Laws of Enugu State, 2004. In other words the pertinent question to answer is which of the two statutes should apply to the circumstances of the case in determining whether the suit is statute barred.<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" 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"">Defendants/Applicants have argued that this action is caught by the provisions of Section 2(a) Of the Public Officers Protection Act. Section 2(a) of the Public Officers Protection Act is reproduced asfollows:<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""> <i><o:p></o:p></i></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:l0 level1 lfo7"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;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;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Where any action, prosecution or other proceeding is commenced against any person for any act done in pursuanceof execution or intended execution of any Act or Law or of any public duty or authority, or in respect of any allegedneglect or default in the execution of any Act, Law, duty or authority, the following provisions shall have effect:<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;line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo8"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">(a)<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The action, prosecution, or proceedings shall not lie or be instituted unless it is commenced within three monthsnext after the act, neglect or default complained of, or in case of continuance of damage or injury, within three monthsnext after the ceasing thereof. </span></i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;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;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </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"">The claimant has argued instead that the Public Officers Protection Act is not applicable because it is a generalprovision; that rather, Section 30(1) and 30(2) of the Enugu State Broadcasting Service Law CAP 42 Revised Laws ofEnugu State 2004, and Section 11(1) of the State Proceedings Law Cap 146, Laws of Enugu State 2004 which are specific in nature and relate to public officers in Enugu State are the applicable laws. <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" 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 Public Officers Protection Act applies to both natural and artificialpersons. On the authorities, it is clear that the defendants are public officers who are covered by the provisions of the PublicOfficers Protection Act in the exercise of their public or official duties. See Section 18 (1) Interpretation ActCAP 123 LFN 2004 for the definition of public officer. See also the case of <b><i>Ibrahim v Judicial Service Commission [1998] 14 NWLR (Pt 584)1, Abubakar v Governor of Gombe State [2002] 17 NWLR (Pt 797) 533, Nwaogwugwu v President FRN [2007]1 ALLFWLR (Pt 389)1327.</i></b><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" 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"">A cause of action is said to be statute barred if in respect of it proceedings cannot be brought because the period laiddown by the limitation law has elapsed. See <b><i>Egbe v Adefarasin [1987] 1 NWLR (Pt 47) 1 at 20, Udoh Trading Coy Ltd vAbere [2001] 11 NWLR (Pt 723) 114</i></b>. The cause of action arose when the claimant was retired by letter dated May 27,2011. This action was instituted on 21<sup>st</sup> March, 2012. This is about ten months after the accrual of the cause of action.This is outside the three months statutory limit. The respondents are public officers. <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" 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"">In between the two pieces of legislation the Public Officers Protection Act is a Federal Legislation whereas the Enugu State Broadcasting Corporation Law is a state legislation. Both are on the same subject matter. The doctrine of covering the field has since resolved how such issue should be resolved. It is that the Federal Law takes precedence as the State law stays in abeyance. This Honourable Court in an earlier decision on the issue held 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""> <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;line-height:normal"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">By the doctrine of covering the field,the paramount legislation is predominant and the subordinate legislation goes into abeyance and remains inoperativeso long as the paramount legislation remains operative. The Public Officers Protection Act being an Act of the NationalAssembly is the paramount legislation. See <b>A.G. Abia State & 35 Ors v A.G. Federation [2002] 6 NWLR (Pt 763) 265 at 435.</b> The doctrine postulates that where the State and Federal Governments have concurrent powers to legislate on thesame subject matter, the Federal Law covers the whole field of the subject matter. See <b>Rector, Kwara Polytechnic vAdefila [2007] 15 NWLR (Pt 1056) 42.</b> In the matter of limitation of actions against Public Officers, the whole field hasbeen covered by the Public Officers Protection Act which is a Federal law. It has dealt exhaustively with the subjectmatter so as to manifest an intention to exclude any other legislation on the same matter. By the doctrine of covering thefield, the Public Officers Protection Act being an Act of the National Assembly, overrides Section 30(1) and 30(2) of theEnugu State Broadcasting Service Law CAP 42 Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004, and Section 11(1) of the StateProceedings Law Cap 146, Laws of Enugu State 2004. See A.G. Abia State & 35 Ors v A.G. Federation [2002] All FWLR(Pt 101) 1447. I therefore hold that Sections 30(1) and 30(2) of the Enugu State Broadcasting Service Law CAP 42Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004, and Section 11(1) of the State Proceedings Law Cap 146, Laws of Enugu State2004 are not applicable. Rather, the applicable law is Section 2 (a) of the Public Officers Protection Act CAP P41, LFN2004, and I so hold.</span></i><span style="font-size:14.0pt; 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;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </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>