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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><u><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">REPRESENTATION</span></u><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rahman Oyewole with Alabata Oyelami for the Claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">N. Otah for the Defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><u><span style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">JUDGMENT</span></u><span style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">1. Introduction, Claims & Counter claims<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On 15/11/13, the Claimant approached the Court via his <i>General Form of Complaint </i>and sought the following reliefs against the Defendant -<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:2.15pt;margin-bottom: 0cm;margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">1. A declaration that the Defendant action to summarily dismiss the Claimant was unlawful and illegal as no case of gross misconduct or other lawful cause was established against him. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:2.15pt;margin-bottom: 0cm;margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2. A declaration that the Claimant is not liable to refund or pay the alleged sum of =N=457, 000 (Four Hundred and Fifty Seven Thousand Naira only) and =N=458, 805 (Four Hundred and Fifty Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Five Naira only) or any other funds, as these funds were never paid to the Claimant but to the other staff members who should be held liable for the funds.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:2.15pt;margin-bottom: 0cm;margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">3. A declaration that all the withheld salaries before and after the purported summary dismissal till the date his appointment is positively determined by the Defendant’s Company shall be fully paid and payment slip should also be issued by the Defendant Company. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:2.15pt;margin-bottom: 0cm;margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">4. A declaration that Defendant shall pay Claimant all his terminal benefits upon his resignation as stated in the condition of service.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:2.15pt;margin-bottom: 0cm;margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">5. An order of this Honourable Court directing the Defendant to officially withdraw the letter of dismissal and comply with the terms of employment as contained in the Claimant’s Letter of Appointment if the Defendant’s Company is not inclined to keep the Claimant in its employment any longer.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:2.15pt;margin-bottom: 0cm;margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">6. A declaration that Defendant should issue a Tax Clearance Certificate to the Claimant to reflect all the tax that has been deducted from the Claimant Salaries since 2009 until his appointment is lawfully terminated by the Defendant’s Company.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:2.15pt;margin-bottom: 0cm;margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">7. An order of this Honourable Court directing the Defendant’s Company to pay to the Claimant the sum of =N=907,180.05 (Nine Hundred and Seven Thousand, One Hundred and Eighty Naira Five Kobo only) for all outstanding salary from June, 2013 to October, 2013. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:2.15pt;margin-bottom: 0cm;margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">8. An order of this Honourable Court directing the Defendant’s Company to pay the Claimant’s salaries until the Claimant’s appointment is lawfully terminated by the Defendant’s Company. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:2.15pt;margin-bottom: 0cm;margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">9. An order of this Honourable Court directing the Defendant’s Company to pay the Claimant all his service benefit as stated in the offer of appointment letter. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:2.15pt;margin-bottom: 0cm;margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">10. Special damages in the sum of =N=350,000 (Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only) being fees for Legal Consultation, Filing and prosecution of this suit at the National Industrial Court, if the Defendant pays the amount with costs to the Claimant or his Legal Practitioner within 14 days of the service of this suit.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal; tab-stops:52.25pt 88.25pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal; tab-stops:52.25pt 88.25pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">PARTICULARS OF SPECIAL DAMAGES INCURRED BY THE CLAIMANT<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:52.25pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal; tab-stops:52.25pt 88.25pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <table class="MsoTableGrid" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="margin-left:59.4pt;border-collapse:collapse;border:none;mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt;mso-yfti-tbllook:1184;mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> <tbody><tr> <td width="54" valign="top" style="width:40.8pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">S/No.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="292" valign="top" style="width:219.0pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Description<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width="110" valign="top" style="width:82.2pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Amount <o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="54" valign="top" style="width:40.8pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">1.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">3.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> </td> <td width="292" valign="top" style="width:219.0pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Legal Consultation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Filling a suit at the National Industrial Court.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Prosecution of the case at the National Industrial Court.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">TOTAL<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> </td> <td width="110" valign="top" style="width:82.2pt;border-top:none;border-left: none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> =N=50,000.00<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> =N=50,000.00<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">=N=250,000.00<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">=N=350,000.00<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal; tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:18.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal; tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">11. Post Judgment Interest on the sum of the rate of 10% (Ten Percent) interest per annum, until the final amount of the outstanding judgment sum has been liquidated. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:18.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal; tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">12. Cost of instituting as assessed by the Claimant to be the sum of =N=1,000,000.00.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:18.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal; tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.5pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">All the requisite frontloaded processes accompanied the writ. The Defendant filed its statement of defence on 12/12/13 and counterclaimed as follows -<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.25pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">1. The sum of =N=457,500 (Four Hundred and Fifty Seven Thousand, Five Hundred Naira) that was converted to loan in the meeting he attended.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.25pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">2. The sum of =N=458, 805.00 (Four Hundred and Fifty Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Five Naira) that they could not account for. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.25pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">3. The sum of =N=1,916,007.00 (One Million, Nine Hundred and Sixteen Thousand, Seven Naira) that were standing against the Claimant and Ademola Adebambo as at the time of their dismissal.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.25pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">4. The total sum of =N=2,832,312.00 (Two Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Twelve) being accumulated amount of unreconciled money the Claimant failed and/or refused to remit to the Defendant before his employment was terminated for continuous gross misconduct. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.25pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> Accompanying Defendant's statement of defence are witness deposition, list and copies of documents to be relied on at trial. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> <b>2. Case of the Claimant<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The trial of this suit commenced on 6/3/14 when the Claimant testified as <i>CW1. </i>The witness adopted his written witness deposition dated 15/11/13 and tendered 13 documents as exhibits. The documents were admitted and marked as <i>Exh. C1 - Exh. C13. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><i><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><i><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The evidence of the witness in chief in brief as contained in his witness statement on oath is that he was employed by Steadman Group Company<b> </b>as its pioneer <i>Assistant Field Manageri; </i>that sometimes in 2010 “Synovate”, another research Company acquired the aforementioned Steadman group; that sometime in October 2011, “IPSOS” (another research Company) acquired the total stake in Synovate, whereas the Claimant was retained as the Field Manager with a monthly net salary of =N=181,436.01; that shortly before his employment unlawful termination as a matter of fact, sometime in August 2012, at a meeting comprising of the Operations Manager, the Head of Human Resources, the Accountant to the Company and the Claimant, the Operations Manager made it officially known to all in attendance that the Accounts Department should henceforth pay or issue cheques in the name of each co-coordinator; who are subordinates to the Claimant and by the 1/1/13, the directive was fully enforced; hence monies and cheques were given to each coordinator directly; that consequent upon the enforcement of the directive, the Accounts Department only forward summary of all monies and cheque numbers given to each Coordinator's personal account, hence the Claimant as the supervising officer could follow up for proper accountability. Claimant further averred that he performed his role to monitor how monies disbursed to each Coordinator were expended and due to his diligence he discovered some inconsistencies in the statement submitted to him by one Ademola Adebambo a staff member of the Defendant Company and subordinate to the Claimant and directed the said Ademola Adebambo to put the account in order but that when Ademola Adebambo could not give satisfactory account of how funds given to him were expended; the Claimant involved the Accounts Department and even advised the Head of Account Department to halt any further payment into Ademola Adebambo’s account until the inconsistencies are resolved by Ademola Adebambo and that it was a shock to him when his appointment as a Field Manager was suddenly and unlawfully terminated without prior notice or any disciplinary proceedings against him by the Defendant Company due to allegation of “continuous gross misconduct in the management of and lack of proper accountability of the money entrusted to him by the company at various times for various projects via a letter dated the 12/7/13. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> Under cross examination, the witness stated that upon resumption with the Defendant he was given job description which includes collecting money from Defendant and disbursing same to workers where Defendant had projects; that he was to be confirmed after 8 months but that his appointment was confirmed after 8 months; that his confirmation was not delayed as a result of his financial impropriety; that he is in Court because his appointment was terminated; that Ademola Adebambo was his subordinate in the office; that he does not know the reason for stopping to give money to him; that a reasonable employer will accommodate an employee who over spent money over and above his mandate; that no money was given to him directly from the Account Department and that money was given to the Coordinators. Witness further added that no decision was taken to enable him reconcile the missing funds; that as head of the field reconciliation by all Coordinators came to his table; that if not properly done he would return same to the Coordinator concerned but of properly done he would return same to the Account Department; that he was shocked when he saw the letter of termination of his appointment and that the mismanagement of the funds of the Defendant entrusted to him was not the cause of the termination of his employment. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> In re-examination, the witness testified that regarding the shortfalls, wages were given to Coordinators on 12/4/13 to the end of April; that on 3/5/13 he had a meeting with all Coordinators regarding money given to them; that some of them did not account for the money properly; that the meeting was postponed to 10/5/13 for the Coordinators to reconcile their account; that on 10/5/13 he requested for details of reconciliation and then he realized that there were some outstanding projects for which money was collected but yet to be paid; that he then decided to assist them in making their payments; that then he collected money from them and made the payments on 13/5/13; that he later gave the remaining money to the Coordinators to pay for outstanding projects and that the procedure is for the Coordinators to return any unspent money to him with reconciliation for me to return to the Account. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> <b>3. Case of the Defendant <o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> O</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">n 15/5/14, the Defendant opened its case and called one Morufudeen Busari as its <i>DW1</i>. While being led in evidence in chief, witness adopted his written deposition dated 12/12/13 and tendered 12 documents as exhibits. The documents were admitted and marked as <i>Exh. MB1 - Exh. MB12.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><i><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><i><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under cross examination, he is the <i>Chief Finance Officer</i> of Defendant for over 2 years now; that Claimant joined the Defendant before him; that he is responsible for disbursement of funds to staff; that he made disbursement directly to the subordinates of the Claimant; that disbursement is made either by cheques or direct transfer to the Accounts of the subordinates based on the recommendation of the Claimant; that the recommendation is usually on a Form prepared for that purpose; that he keeps records of the Forms filled for the disbursement; that between January 2013 and June 2013 no funds or money was paid to the account of the Claimant; that it is part of the duties of the Claimant to ensure that reconciliations are done properly; that there have been series of complaints against the Claimant that reconciliations are not being done as at when due; that Defendant has issued series of queries to the Claimant before; that Defendant relates to staff both orally and by e-mails; that the staff Defendant disbursed money to are staff of the Defendant who were reporting to the Claimant; that Mr. Ademola Adebambo was an ex-staff of the Defendant; that he was a field Coordinator; that he was one of the subordinates of the Claimant; that if the said Adebambo did any wrong against the Defendant; the Defendant would punish him solely for it; that when there was reconciliation problem t was the Claimant who nominated Mr. Ademola Adebambo to be collecting funds for disbursement on his behalf; that Claimant severally complained about misappropriation of funds by Mr. Ademola Adebambo to the Defendant; that Management called both of them and instructed them to meet and reconcile their accounts and report back to Management; that complaints by workers for non-payment of their dues was against the Defendant under the leadership of the Claimant; that Defendant had several projects running simultaneously in Abuja some of which staff complained of non-payment of their dues; that he could not remember the particular year when workers were protesting against the Defendant in Abuja and that he did not fabricate his evidence before the court.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> In re-examination, witness testified that Defendant stopped paying money into Claimant’s account when there was reconciliation problem and that the decision was taken in the interest of the Company as money paid out could not be reconciled. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> Defendant called one <i>Tokunbo Johnson </i>as its <i>DW2. DW2 </i>adopted his witness statement dated 12/12/13 as his evidence in chief. Under cross examination the witness stated that he has been working with Defendant for 5 years on Human Resources desk; that there have been some issues aside the issue of January 2013 and July 2013; that he did not issue any Query to Claimant before January 2013 and no disciplinary action ever taken against him before then; that the protest was against the Company; that he is aware that there was a decision by Defendant to pay all monies for projects to subordinate of the Claimant and not Claimant but Defendant still gave money to Claimant through his subordinate; that he knows one Ademola Adebambo an employee of the Defendant and a subordinate of the Claimant; that he is not aware that Claimant advised Defendant to stop giving money to the said Adebambo due to non-performance; that he is aware of a letter from Defendant to Claimant’s Solicitors dated 16/8/13; that he is in Human Resources Department; that only personnel from Account Department could tell exactly how much Claimant is owing Defendant; that Salaries for June and July 2013 were not paid Claimant to make him reconcile account; that written notice was not given Claimant for termination; that Defendant pays Claimant’s Tax to Lagos State Government; that Tax Clearance Certificates were not issued to Claimant and that Defendant paid Claimant's pension deduction to his Pension Fund Administrator.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:.7pt;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-35.05pt; line-height:normal;tab-stops:69.85pt"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> At the close of trial learned Counsel on either side filed their final written addresses in accordance with the Rules of Court as directed by the Court.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">4. Submission on Behalf of the Defendant<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The final written address of the Defendant was dated 7/4/16 and filed on 8/4/16. In it learned Counsel set down the following three issues for determination -<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">1. Whether the Claimant has been able to prove that his dismissal from employment by the Defendant was wrongful and illegal?. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2. Whether the refusal of the Claimant to obey the lawful instructions of the Defendant/his employer is not a gross misconduct to warrant dismissal?.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">3. Whether the Defendant is not entitled to judgment on the counter-claim?.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On issue 1, learned Counsel submitted that the relationship between the parties is one of employer/employee and that where a Claimant alleges wrongful dismissal from employment, the onus is on him to place before the Court the letter of his employment which is the bedrock of his case citing <i>Oloruntoba-Oju v. Abdul-Raheem (2009)13 NWLR (Pt. 1157) 83 & Anaja v. UBN Plc (2011)15 NWLR (Pt. 1270) 377. </i>Counsel added that by <i>Exh. C1 </i>tendered which is the letter of employment either party has the power to terminate the employment of the Claimant by giving either 14 days or a month notice depending on whether the termination is before or after confirmation; that the termination of the employment of the Claimant was as a result of continuous gross misconduct and insubordination in accordance with the letter of employment and that the Claimant has failed to plead and prove the terms and conditions of his service allegedly breached by the Defendant. Counsel urged the Court to resolve this issue in favour of the Defendant. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On issue 2, learned Counsel submitted that evidence exist respecting failure of the Claimant to comply with lawful instruction with regard to reconciliation of account and remittance to the Defendant. Counsel referred to <i>Exh. MB1, Exh. MB2 & Exh. MB7 </i>which the Claimant failed to comply with. Citing <i>Yusuf v. UBN Limited (1996)6 NWLR (Pt. 457) 632 & UBN Plc v. Soares (2012) NWLR (Pt. 1312) 550, </i>Counsel submitted that both under the Common Law and the statute, willful disobedience of a lawful instruction of an employer is an act of misconduct which attracts the penalty of summary dismissal. Counsel urged the Court to so hold and resolve this issue in favour of the Defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On whether the Defendant is entitled to Judgment on the Counter claim sought, learned Counsel submitted that counterclaim is a separate action the facts of which flow from the facts contained in the statement of defence citing <i>Akhigbe v. Paulosa (Nig.) Limited (2006)12 NWLR (Pt. 994) 373. </i>Counsel referred to the pleadings filed by the Defendant and the evidence of <i>DW1 </i>including <i>Exh. MB2, Exh. MB8, Exh. MB9, Exh. MB11 & Exh. MB12 </i>to which the Claimant did not file a defence. Counsel thus submitted that having failed to file a defence to the Counter claim, the counter claim is deemed admitted citing <i>Olaleye v. Wema Bank Limited (2010)47 WRN 127 at 152. </i>Learned Counsel therefore prayed the Court to enter Judgment in favour of the Defendant in terms of the counter claims filed by the Defendant there being no defence to same. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">5. Submission on Behalf of the Claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The final written address of the Claimant was dated and filed on 1/7/16. The following 4 issues were canvassed by the learned Counsel-<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">1. Having regard to the facts and circumstances of this case, was there a reasonable ground to believe that the Claimant was guilty of continuous gross misconduct against the Defendants as alleged by the Defendant? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2. Whether the employment of the Claimant was wrongfully terminated by the Defendant?.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">3. Whether the Claimant is entitled to be compensated?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">4. Whether the Defendant has proved its Counter-Claim to be entitled to same?.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On issue 1, Counsel submitted that although an employer is not obliged to give reason for dismissing an employee, where an employer has proffered reason and the reason borders on gross misconduct, an employer is bound to satisfactorily prove same citing <i>I.H.A.B.U.H.M.B v. Anyip (2011)12 NWLR (Pt. 1260) 19. </i>Citing the Employment Appeal Tribunal decision in <i>British Home Stores v. Burchell (1980) ICR 303n, (1978) IRLR 379 </i>submitted that even in such situation, the employer must show that at the time of dismissal, (a). it believed the employee to be guilty of misconduct, (b). that it had reasonable grounds for believing this and (c). that the grounds for holding that belief were established after an investigation that was reasonable in all the circumstances of the case. Counsel submitted that the Defendant in the instant case has failed to meet the test as laid down in <i>Burchell's case. </i>Counsel added further that there were indeed inconsistencies in the counter claims of the Defendant and that the statement of defence and counter claim filed did not raise any new issues to which the Claimant is expected to filed reply to. Hence the Claimant did not file and that there was no admission on the part of the Claimant.<i> </i>Counsel urged the Court to so hold. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On whether the employment of the Claimant was wrongfully terminated by the Defendant, Counsel answered in the affirmative. Counsel referred to <i>Exh. C1 </i>and submitted that the Defendant did not comply with paragraph of the exhibit respecting giving of requisite notice. Learned Counsel urged the Court to resolve this issue in favour of the Claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On issue 3, it is the submission of Counsel that damages are the normal remedies for breach of contract; that in a claim for wrongful dismissal or termination of employment the measure of damages is usually the amount the Claimant would have earned had the employment continued according to contract subject to deduction in respect of any amount accruing from any other employment citing <i>Osisanya v. Afribank (2007)6 NWLR (Pt. 103) 565 & Imoloame v. WAEC (1993) LPELR-1500; </i>that by <i>Exh. C9 </i>the monthly wages of the Claimant was =N=181,236.09 as at 1/5/13 and that the Court should award damages on the basis of =N=181,236.09 per month between 1/6/13 when he was wrongfully dismissed till the date of delivery of Judgment. Learned Counsel also sought award of exemplary damages against the Defendant. Counsel submitted that there is evidence to the effect that the money allegedly misappropriated by the Claimant was never disbursed to him referring to <i>Exh. C6 </i>and the conduct of the Defendant in the instant case ought to be visited by award of exemplary damages and compensation citing <i>section 19(c), national Industrial Court Act, 2006 & section 254C(1)(a), Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Third Alteration) Act, 2010.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><i><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On whether the Defendant has proved its counter claim to be entitled to same learned Counsel submitted that there is no documentary evidence of the alleged =N=457,500.00 allegedly converted to loan such as loan application, approval of same as well as evidence of payment or disbursement of the loan applied for; that <i>DW1 </i>stated clearly in cross examination that he made disbursement directly to the subordinates of the Claimant rather than the Claimant and that between January and June 2013 no money was paid to the account of the Claimant; that by <i>Exh. MB1 </i>the Defendant had requested both the Claimant and Ademola Adebambo to refund the money claimed in the counter claim. On the contention that the Claimant did not file any defence to the counter claim, learned Counsel submitted that where a Defendant raises a counter claim, to require a reply by the Claimant, new issues must have been raised in the said counter claim to warrant a reply and that a reply is not filed ordinarily a matter of course citing <i>Oshodi v. Eyifunmi (2000)7 SCNJ 295 & Mba v. Agu (1999)6 SCNJ 84. </i>Counsel therefoe submitted that as the counter claim did not raise any new issues aside the ones contained in the statement of defence it did not merit any reply. Finally, learned Counsel that the Claimant has proved his case to be entitled to Judgment while the Defendant having failed to prove its counter claim same should be dismissed accordingly. Counsel urged the Court to so hold. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">6. Decision<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I read and understood all the processes filed by learned Counsel on either side of this case. I also heard their oral arguments canvassed by them. I listened attentively to the testimonies of the witnesses called at trial, watched their demeanor and carefully evaluated all the exhibits tendered and admitted. Having done all this, I narrow the issues for the just determination of this case to be mainly 2 as follows -<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">1. Whether the Claimant has proved his claims or any of them to be entitled to the reliefs sought.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2. Whether the Defendant has proved it counter claims or any of them to be entitled to a grant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The law has always been that a Claimant must adduce sufficiently cogent evidence in support of his claims to be entitled to a grant. See <i>Mogaji v. Cadbury Nig Ltd (1972) 2 SC 97; Omoregbe v. Lawan (1980) 3-4 SC 108; Fasoro v. Beyioku (1988) 2 NWLR (Pt. 76) 263; Nwabuoku v. Attih (1961) 2 SCNLR 232; Omo v. JSC Delta State (2000) 12 NWLR (Pt. 682) 444; WAEC v. Oshioneto (2006) 12 NWLR (Pt. 994) 272. See also MTN v. Mundra Ventures (Nig.) Limited (2016) LPELR (CA). </i>This burden remains on the Claimant until so discharged.<b> </b>In much the same vein, it is trite that when a Claimant in a suit challenged the termination of his employment, he has the task of placing before the Court his contract of service or letter of employment incorporating the terms and conditions of his employment and drawing the attention of the Court to how the stated terms and conditions were breached in terminating his employment.<b> </b>See <i>Okomu Oil Palm Co. Ltd. v. Iserhienrhum (2001) 6 NWLR (710) 660; Emokpae v. Uniben (2002) 17 NWLR (795) 139 and Nig. Gas Co. Ltd. v. Dudusola (2005) 18 NWLR (751) 292. </i>What then are the claims of the Claimant in the instant case and what are the evidence led respecting same?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The first relief sought by the Claimant is a declaration that the Defendant action to summarily dismiss the Claimant was unlawful and illegal as no case of gross misconduct or other lawful cause was established against him. <i>Exh. C1 </i>is the Claimant's letter of appointment while <i>Exh. C3 </i>is the letter of termination of appointment. It would seem that the Claimant is confusing termination of employment with dismissal from employment. By <i>Exh. C3 </i>the employment of the Claimant was merely terminated on ground of gross misconduct. My attention has not been drawn to what makes the termination of the Claimant appointment both unlawful and illegal. The right and power of an employer to dispense with the services of an employee remains unfettered. Eve when the termination does not comply with the applicable terms and conditions it can only be wrongful rather than being illegal and unlawful especially in master/servant relationship as in the instant case. I find evidence of lawful instructions issued by the Defendant to the Claimant which the Claimant did not comply with. It is within the power and right of the employer to discipline its workforce for failure to carry out lawful instructions. It is sufficient for the Defendant to consider such failure on the part of the Claimant as gross misconduct. For, what amounts to an act of gross misconduct is what an employer considers it to be. See <i>Adewunmi v. Nigerian Eagle Flour Mills (2014) LPELR-22557 (CA) per </i>Dongban-Mensem, <i>JCA. </i>I therefore refuse and dismiss the relief for a declaration that the Defendant action to summarily dismiss the Claimant was unlawful and illegal as no case of gross misconduct or other lawful cause was established against him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The second relief is for a declaration that the Claimant is not liable to refund or pay the alleged sum of =N=457, 000 (Four Hundred and Fifty Seven Thousand Naira only) and =N=458, 805 (Four Hundred and Fifty Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Five Naira only) or any other funds, as this funds were never paid to the Claimant but to the other staff members who should be held liable for the funds. I have evidence of <i>DW1</i> on record under cross examination to the effect that between January 2013 and June 2013 no funds or money was paid to the account of the Claimant. Indeed the evidence available to the Court is that money was paid into the accounts of subordinates to the Claimant. If therefore no money was paid to the Claimant what is the basis of asking him to make any refunds to the Defendant?<i> </i>I find sufficient credible evidence to find in favor of the Claimant. I grant this relief and declare that the Claimant is not liable to refund or pay the alleged sum of =N=457, 000 (Four Hundred and Fifty Seven Thousand Naira only) and =N=458, 805 (Four Hundred and Fifty Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Five Naira only) or any other funds, as this funds were never paid to the Claimant but to the other staff members who should be held liable for the funds.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The third relief is for a declaration that all the withheld salaries before and after the purported summary dismissal till the date his appointment is positively determined by the Defendant’s Company shall be fully paid and payment slip should also be issued by the Defendant Company. Once an employment is terminated it is not open to an employee to continue to regard his employment as still subsisting. See <i>Rene Antoun & Anor. v. Benson Oghene (2012) LPELR-8502.</i> Termination of employment even if wrongful remains valid as having put an end to the employment relationship between the parties<b>. </b>The only remedy available is damages depending on whether it is one with statutory flavor or not.<b> </b>As at the date of <i>Exh. C3 </i>when the employment of the Claimant was terminated he ceased to be a staff of the Defendant. His right, if any, is limited to post employment rights and benefits. The Court will not order an employer to pay its workforce or any of them salaries for services not rendered. See <i>CCB Nigeria Limited v. Nwankwo (1993)4 NWLR (Pt. 286). </i>I refuse this declaration and dismiss same accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The 4th relief is for a declaration that Defendant shall pay Claimant all his terminal benefits upon his resignation as stated in the condition of service. Claimant did not resign from his employment with the Defendant. Rather his employment was effectively terminated by <i>Exh. C3. </i>Throughout the hearing of this case, the Claimant did not in any way or manner put forward any condition of service under which he alleged to be entitled to terminal benefits. Neither did he adduce evidence respecting his entitlement to any amount as terminal benefits. The duty of the Court is to simply adjudicate and not speculate. By this relief, the Claimant expects the Court to speculate as to how much he is to be paid as terminal benefit. This head of claim is not proved. Same is refused and dismissed accordingly. The 5th relief sought is for an order of this Honourable Court directing the Defendant to officially withdraw the letter of dismissal and comply with the terms of employment as contained in the Claimant’s Letter of Appointment if the Defendant’s Company is not inclined to keep the Claimant in its employment any longer. I have found and held that the employment of the Claimant was effectively terminated by the Defendant via <i>Exh. C3. </i>That exhibit was in the exercise of the right and power of the Defendant to disengage with the services of its employee. The law remains that he who hires can also fire. See <i>Osisanya vs. Afribank (2007) 1 - 2 SC 317; Iyere vs. Bendel Feed & Flour Mill Ltd. (2008) 7 - 12 SC 151; Ativie vs. Kabelmetal Nig. Ltd. (2008) 5 - 6 SC (Pt.11) 67 & Omojolomoju v. Group Securicor Nigeria Limited & Ors. (2013) LPELR-21477 (CA).</i> To grant this relief as sought is to curb and hinder the traditional right of a master to dispense with the services of his servant. I therefore refuse and dismiss same. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On the 6th relief which is for a declaration that Defendant should issue a Tax Clearance Certificate to the Claimant to reflect all the tax that has been deducted from the Claimant Salaries since 2009 until his appointment is lawfully terminated by the Defendant’s Company, I have no evidence before attesting to the fact that the Defendant is a Tax authority. At best, the Defendant is a mere employer of labour. The <i>Federal Inland Revenue Service & Lagos State Inland Revenue Service </i>are the statutorily recognised bodies charged with collection of taxes and issuance of tax Certificates at the Federal level and Lagos State respectively. It seems to me that it is for the Claimant to approach the relevant tax authority for the purpose of applying for and collecting his Tax certificates. I refuse this head of claim and dismiss same for the reasons as stated.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Respecting the 7th relief which is for an order of this Honourable Court directing the Defendant’s Company to pay to the Claimant the sum of =N=907,180.05 (Nine Hundred and Seven Thousand, One Hundred and Eighty Naira Five Kobo only) for all outstanding salary from June, 2013 to October, 2013. There is no evidence that the salary of the Claimant for the month of June 2013 was paid. Indeed, by <i>Exh. C3, </i>Claimant was informed that his salary for June 2013 was forfeited. There is nothing in <i>Exh. C1 - Letter of Offer of Appointment as an Assistant Field Manager </i>respecting forfeiture of salary under any condition. By <i>Exh. C9, </i>I find the monthly salary of the Claimant to be =N=181,236.09. I therefore direct and order the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of =N=181,236.09 being Claimant's salary for the month <b>o</b>f June 2013. Secondly, there is also no evidence that the Claimant was paid his salary for the month of July 2013. There is no doubt he worked for the Defendant in the month of July 2013. In much the same, I order and direct the Defendant to pay to the Claimant his salary for the month of July 2013 in the sum of =N=181,236.09. Thirdly, by <i>Exh. C1, </i>Claimant is entitled to be given ''... fourteen days notice in writing before confirmation and one months notice in writing after confirmation''. Claimant's employment was confirmed by <i>Exh. C2. </i>Claimant's employment was terminated by <i>Exh. C3 </i>dated 12/7/13 to be effective on 15/7/13. Thus it is obvious that Claimant was not given the requisite notice in writing as required by the contract of service. In the circumstances of this case, though no provision was made for payment in lieu of notice, I hold that the interest of justice demands that the Claimant be paid a month's salary in lieu. I therefore order and direct the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of =N=181,236.09 being a month's salary in lieu of one month notice of termination. In view of the various findings thus far, I refuse and dismiss relief 8 seeking an order of this Honourable Court directing the Defendant’s Company to pay the Claimant’s salaries until the Claimant’s appointment is lawfully terminated by the Defendant’s Company. Claimant's employment has been effectively terminated by <i>Exh. C3. </i>I also refuse and dismiss prayer for an order of this Honourable Court directing the Defendant’s Company to pay the Claimant all his service benefit as stated in the offer of appointment letter there being no service benefit stated in the letter of offer of employment to the Claimant. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Claimant also sought special damages in the sum of =N=350,000.00 (Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only) being fees for Legal Consultation, Filing and prosecution of this suit at the National Industrial Court. The position of the law respecting special damages is that they must specially pleaded, particularised and strictly proved. See </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language: EN-GB">F.B.N. Plc v. Associated Motors Co. Ltd (1998) 10 NWLR (</span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">P</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">t. 570) 441; F.B.</span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">N. Plc v. Abba (1998) 10 NWLR (P</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language: EN-GB">t.569) 227; F.B.N. Pl</span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">c v. Nwankwocha (1998) 5 NWLR (P</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">t. 551) 610; Sala</span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">ko v. Williams (1998) 11 NWLR (P</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language: EN-GB">t. 574) 505; N.M.B. Plc v. Aiyedun</span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Investment Ltd (1998) 9 NWLR (P</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">t. 527) 221; I</span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">feadi v. Atedz (1998) 12 NWLR (P</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language: EN-GB">t. 581) 205; </span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Adeola v. Oloba (1998) 9 NWLR (P</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">t. 545) 224; O</span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">kene v. Orlando (1998) 9 NWLR (P</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language: EN-GB">t. 566) 408; Ngilari v. Mothercat Ltd (1998) 13 NWLR (</span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">P</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">t. 636) 626. </span></i><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I find <i>Exh. C10 & Exh. C11 </i>sufficient evidence in proof of this head of claims. I therefore order and direct the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of =N=350,000.00 being special damages incurred by the Claimant for this action.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Rules of this Court allows the Court to award interest at a rate not below 10% per annum. I therefore award interest at the rate of 15% on the entire Judgment sum from July 2013 until final liquidation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Finally, the Claimant sought cost of instituting this suit assessed to be the sum of =N=1,000,000.00. I find and hold that there is no basis to grant this relief. The Claimant had already successfully sought award of special damages in the sum of =N=350,000.00. To again make another award as cost of this action will amount to double award and will not serve the interest of justice. I therefore refuse and dismiss the claim for cost of instituting this action. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The second issue set down for determination is whether the Defendant has proved its counter claims or any of them to be entitled to a grant. The counter claims of the Defendant are as follows : the sum of =N=457,500 (Four Hundred and Fifty Seven Thousand, Five Hundred Naira) that was converted to loan in the meeting he attended; the sum of =N=458, 805.00 (Four Hundred and Fifty Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Five Naira) that they could not account for; the sum of =N=1,916,007.00 (One Million, Nine Hundred and Sixteen Thousand, Seven Naira) that were standing against the Claimant and Ademola Adebambo as at the time of their dismissal and the total sum of =N=2,832,312.00 (Two Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Twelve) being accumulated amount of unreconciled money the Claimant failed and/or refused to remit to the Defendant before his employment was terminated for continuous gross misconduct.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It is important to bear in mind that a counter claim is akin to the main suit. The counter claim must be directly related to the principal claim but not outside of and independent of the subject matter of the claim. See <i>Bepco Limited v NASCO Management Service Limited (1993) 7 NWLR (Pt. 305) 369 at 381; Andrew Okonkwo v. Co-Operative and Commerce Bank (Nig.) Plc & 2 ors. (1997) 6 NWLR (Pt. 507) 48; U.I.C. Limited v. T.A. Hammond (Nig.) Limited (1998) 9 NWLR (Pt. 565) 340 at 365; Emaphil Limited v. Odili (1987) 4 NWLR (Pt. 67) 915 at 920; Balogun v. Oligbede (1991) 8 NWLR (Pt. 208) 223 at 235 and Ogbonna v. Attorney-General of Imo State (1992) 1 NWLR (Pt. 220) 647 at 692. </i> It is a fresh case of its own and is subject to the same rules of evidence. The burden in counter claim is on the counter claimant to discharge by credible and cogent evidence. Except where there is an admission of a counter claim, counter claimant must adduce sufficiently admissible and cogent evidence in support of same. The major plank for these counter claims as argued by the learned Counsel to the counter claimant is that the Claimant did not file fresh pleadings rebutting the counter claims and that the counter claims must be deemed admitted. It appears to me to be trite as learned Counsel to the Claimant/Defendant to counter claim argued that his pleadings have sufficiently traversed the counter claims and that no fresh issues were raised in the counter claims to which he must file a reaction. In any event, the evidence led by the Defendant did not support its counter claims for same to merit being granted. It is on record the evidence on oath of <i>DW1 </i>to the effect that no money was paid to the Claimant and that moneys were paid only to the subordinates of the Claimant who were also staff of the Defendant. I have no reason not to believe the evidence of this witness called by the Defendant. I find and hold that these counterclaims are not proved. I therefore dismiss all the counter claims accordingly <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Finally, for the avoidance of doubt and for all the reasons as contained in this Judgment, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">1. I declare that the Claimant is not liable to refund or pay the alleged sum of =N=457, 000 (Four Hundred and Fifty Seven Thousand Naira only) and =N=458, 805 (Four Hundred and Fifty Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Five Naira only) or any other funds, as these funds were never paid to the Claimant but to the other staff members who should be held liable for the funds. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2. I refuse the prayer for a declaration that all the withheld salaries before and after the purported summary dismissal till the date his appointment is positively determined by the Defendant’s Company shall be fully paid and payment slip should also be issued by the Defendant Company.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">3. I refuse and dismiss the 4th, 5th & 6th reliefs sought for the reasons stated.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">4. I therefore direct and order the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of =N=181,236.09 being Claimant's salary for the month of June 2013. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">5. I order and direct the Defendant to pay to the Claimant his salary for the month of July 2013 in the sum of =N=181,236.09. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">6. I order and direct the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of =N=181,236.09 being a month's salary in lieu of one month notice of termination.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">7. I order and direct the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of =N=350,000.00 being special damages incurred by the Claimant for this action.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">8. I dismiss all the counter claims of the Defendant for lack of proof by cogent and credible evidence.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.5pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.5pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I make no order as to cost. All the terms of this Judgment shall be complied with within 30 days from today.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.5pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Judgment is entered accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.5pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" align="center" style="margin-left:0cm; mso-add-space:auto;text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" align="center" style="margin-left:0cm; mso-add-space:auto;text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">____________________<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" align="center" style="margin:0cm;margin-bottom: .0001pt;mso-add-space:auto;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Hon. Justice J. D. Peters<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Presiding Judge<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p>