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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:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">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:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">M.E. Azoro 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:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Duru Peter O. for the Defendant/Applicant.<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:8.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:2.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in; line-height:normal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">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 lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">By a Motion filed on 23/2/2016 and brought pursuant to Order 11 Rule 2 (1) & (2) of the National Industrial Court Practice Direction 2012 and Order 25 Rule 4 of the National Industrial Court Rules 2007, Learned Counsel for the Defendant/Applicant sought an order of the court granting the Defendant/Applicant, leave to do the following:<o:p></o:p></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:-.5in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-fareast-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">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 lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">Amend its statement of defence as per Exhibit A attached to this <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:.25in;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">application.<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:-.5in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-fareast-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">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 lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">File the written statement on oath of the Defendant/Applicant’s witness <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:.25in;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">as per Exhibit B.<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:-.5in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-fareast-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">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 lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">Deem the Exhibits A and B above as properly filed and served, the filing <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:.25in;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">fees having been duly paid.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">The application was supported by a 13-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Mr. Kanayo Mba, a litigation officer of the defendant; and two exhibits (Exhibit A-the proposed amendment of the statement of defence, Exhibit B- the proposed written statement on oath of the Defendant/Applicant’s witness). In the accompanying written address, counsel distilled two issues for determination as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal; mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-fareast-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">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 lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">Can the court in the circumstances of the application grant the defendant the leave to amend the statement of defence?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal; mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-fareast-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">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 lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">Can the defendant now be allowed to file witness deposition?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">Regarding issue one, counsel submitted that an amendment can be effected at any stage of the proceedings before judgment to bring all the issues or questions in controversy between the parties before the court for determination on merit once and for all. Also, it is the further contention of counsel that as the applicant has averred in paragraphs 3, 5 and 9 of the supporting affidavit; the amendment sought intends to bring vital facts to help the court in reaching a fair and just decision. Similarly, counsel argued that in paragraph 3 of the affidavit in support of this application, the applicant deposed to the fact that certain documents which are vital to its case were just discovered and needs to plead them to aid the court to determine this suit quickly and fairly, citing the case of <b>IMONIKHE vs. A.G. BENDEL STATE (1992) 2 NSCC 482-8</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family: "Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">With respect to issue two, counsel submitted that the Defendant witness’ deposition on oath was not filed earlier, owing to Counsel’s ignorance of this Court’s Practice Direction, which makes provision for same. Counsel further argued that it is settled that a party should not be punished for the inadvertence of his counsel. Counsel urged the court at this juncture to allow the Defendant file its witness deposition attached to this application and grant the entire application because it was brought in good faith and is not overreaching.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:4.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">In opposition, Learned Counsel for the Claimant on 9/3/2016 filed a counter affidavit and written address, vide a motion for extension of time filed 5/4/2016; granted by this court on 1/11/2016. The counter affidavit of 4 paragraphs was deposed to by the Claimant, and in the written address filed alongside; Claimant’s Counsel adopted the issues formulated by the Defendant’s Counsel. As per issue one, counsel submitted that this application is incompetent because the Defendant failed to highlight the portions to be amended, either by addition or by removal. It is counsel’s argument that it is not within the purview of this court to embark on a journey into this application, to determine what amendments were added because that would be tantamount to a breach of the right to fair hearing. Further, counsel contended that an amendment of a statement of defence in the circumstances of this case cannot be granted. For support of this contention, counsel referred to the case of <b><i>Egwa vs. Egwa (2007) 1 NWLR (Pt. 1014) 71</i></b>, where it was held as follows: <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"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language: HE">“where amendments are granted during trial, the adverse party must always be given opportunity of meeting the new matter… an amendment would be allowed during trial if it will not cause unnecessary difficulties, to wit: the adverse party applying to amend his own processes, requesting for further and better particulars, reopening his case, recalling and calling further witnesses.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">It is the opinion of Counsel that the above cited decision fits the position in the instant case, owing to the fact that the Claimant has closed his case and is foreclosed from amending his statement of facts and deposition; and what is sought to be added to the statement of defence is not yet in evidence. Counsel submitted that the IMONIKHE’s case cited by the Defence cannot avail him. Also, counsel argued that the counter affidavit shows clearly that the Defendant lied on oath by claiming it was looking for some documents. Again, counsel agreed with the Defendant’s Counsel that a party ought not to be punished by his counsel’s inadvertence but added that this is true only to the extent that it does not breach the right to fair hearing citing <b><i>Ogundoyin vs. Adeyemi (2001) 13 NWLR (Pt. 730) 403</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 lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family: "Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">With respect to issue two, counsel’s view is that the Defendant can only file a witness deposition in support of a defence earlier filed and served and once the application for amendment fails, it will be impossible to allow the filing of the Defendant witness’ deposition. In conclusion of his arguments, counsel urged the court to dismiss the application.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:4.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">On 17/3/2016 before the Claimant’ counsel filed his motion extending time to file his counter affidavit, counsel for the Defendant filed a further affidavit of 12 paragraphs deposed to by Sunday Ojomah, a legal practitioner in the Defendant Counsel’s Law Office. In the accompanying address, two issues were identified for resolution by this court, which are:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-fareast-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">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 lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">Is the counter-affidavit competent?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-fareast-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">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 lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">Even if it is competent, are the contents sufficient to deny the Claimant of the discretion of the court in its favour?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">Counsel’s arguments in support of issue one will be dispensed with, in light of the fact that leave has been granted to the Claimant’s counsel to file his counter affidavit on 1/11/2016 after filing the necessary application. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family: "Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">With respect to issue two, counsel submitted that the Claimant who led evidence on 10/2/2015, in the absence of the Defendant’s counsel cannot be heard to complain of a breach of fair hearing. More so, counsel argued that the Claimant cannot be said to be taken by surprise because paragraph 13(g) of the statement of defence indicated that an amendment will be sought and the Claimant has the unfettered right to recall his witness if he deems it necessary. Again, citing <b><i>Melifonwu vs. Egbunike (2001) 1 NWLR (Pt. 694) 271 at 279-280</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 lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">Counsel posited that the object of the court is to render substantial justice to both parties, and an amendment of pleadings can be granted at any stage of the proceedings of the case, if it is in the interest of justice to do same. Furthermore, counsel submitted that the arguments of the Claimant’s counsel are irrelevant because if the amendment is granted by the court, the witness deposition is also allowed. In conclusion, the court was urged to grant this application because it yields to the substantial justice this court aims to achieve in all cases.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-language:HE">By way of oral submission on 1/11/2016, at the end of hearing the foregoing applications; Claimant’s counsel stated that the further affidavit of the Defendant should be discountenanced because no seal was affixed in clear breach of Section 10 of the Legal Practitioners Act. To which the Defendant’s counsel responded that the law does not require a seal to be affixed to affidavits. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language:HE"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-language:HE"> <b><u>COURT’s DECISION<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">In this motion, the Defendant seeks the leave of court to amend the statement of defence, file a written statement on oath of the Defendant’s witness and to deem the exhibited amended statement of defence and witness statement on oath as duly filed and served. In the affidavit in support of the motion, deposed by Kanayo Mba who said he is the litigation officer of the Defendant, it was averred that the Defendant had initially filed a statement of defence on 10/11/2014 but in the course of trial, some vital facts and documents pertaining to the Claimant’s dealings with the Defendant come to light. Most of these documents were in the custody of the Claimant during his employment but he went away with the documents when he left the employment. The Defendant had to search to get these documents. The Defendant had indicated in the statement of defence sought to be amended that it shall do an amendment when the ongoing investigation into the Claimant’s activities is concluded. The Defendant has discovered more facts relevant to its defence and the amendment is necessary in order to assist the court determine the real issues in controversy between the parties. It was also deposed that the witness statement of the Defendant’s witness was not filed initially because the Defendant’s counsel, Chief Donald Ibezim Udogu (SAN) was not aware of the existence of the 2012 practice Direction of this court. Exhibited to the affidavit are Exhibits A and B. They are the amended statement of defence and the witness statement on oath of Kanayo Mba respectively. In the Claimant’s counter affidavit opposing the motion, he deposed that the Defendant did not discover new facts in the course of trial as the alleged new facts are not indicated in the affidavit in support of motion nor are the facts reflected in the exhibited amended statement of defence and witness statement on oath. The Claimant also averred that he did not leave the employment with official documents except his personal one. He also said that the amendment is coming at a time he has closed his case and he cannot reopen same. The counter affidavit also contains that the learned senior counsel for the Defendant knows the law but he decided not to comply with it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Whether or not to grant the reliefs sought by the Defendant in the motion </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">is at the discretion of this court. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">It is also trite that </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Courts have the inherent powers to allow amendments to pleadings of the parties at any stage of the proceedings. See <b>IGWE vs. KALU (2002) FWLR (Pt. 97) 677 at 712</b>. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">I have examined all the facts and circumstances of this application, particularly the amendments sought to be made into the statement of defence and the need to call evidence. It is my view that the application should be allowed in the interest of justice and fair hearing. The Claimant had expressed fear of inability to respond to new facts which would emanate from the Defendant having closed his case. Opportunity to proffer further evidence is always available to the Claimant if the need becomes necessary by bringing appropriate application for that purpose. In view of that, the Defendant’s motion is granted. Leave is granted to the Defendant to</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS""> amend the statement of defence and to file a written statement on oath of the Defendant’s witness. The Defendants are given seven (7) days from today, within which to file clean copies of the amended statement of defence and witness statement on oath in line with the proposed amended statement of defence and proposed written deposition, which are annexed as exhibits A and B to this application. No order as to cost. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:4.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">Ruling is entered accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">Hon. Justice O. Y. Anuwe</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Comic Sans MS""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">Judge</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><u><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></u></b></p>