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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">REPRESENTATION:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Razak Ojodun Esq. for the Claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">T.O. Ginah Esq. for the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2<sup>nd</sup> Defendant was not represented.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">JUDGMENT</span></u></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant commenced this suit by filing a Complaint dated 18<sup>th</sup> day of April, 2012 on the same date. Endorsed on the said Complaint and in paragraph 22 of the Statement of Claim are the following reliefs sought against the defendants:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> 22. The claimant’s claim against the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant is as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 90pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">a. Outstanding salaries from August 2008 to <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 90pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 2009 N2,822,000.00 <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 90pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">b. One month salary in lieu of notice N166,000.00<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 90pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 90pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">c. Meal subsidy from August 2008 <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 90pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">to December 2009 N92,970.00<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">d. Site allowance from August 2008<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> to December 2009 N510,000.00<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> e. Arrears of salaries review January to<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> April, 2008 N144,000.00<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> f. Leave allowance from 2008 to<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> 2009 <u>N199,000.00<o:p></o:p></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> TOTAL <u>N3,933,970.00</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 90pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant also claims against the defendants jointly and severally, the sum of N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million) Naira only as General Damages for the unlawful and unwarranted detention of the claimant by the defendants.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Complaint was accompanied by a Statement of Facts, list of witnesses, Statement on oath of witnesses, list and copies of documents to be relied upon at trial. The 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant entered appearance in the case and with leave of court subsequently amended its Statement of Defence filed on 4/03/2013. The 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant also filed a Counter-claim in its Amended Statement of Defence of 4/03/13 wherein it counter-claimed as follows against the Claimant:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">6. The 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant (hereinafter called “Counter-claimant) repeats paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the Statement of Defence and claims against the Claimant as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">7. (i) A declaration that the Claimant having been found to be negligent in the discharge of his duties in the Counter-Claimant’s company is entitled to be dismissed by the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> (ii) An Order compelling the Claimant to pay to the Counter-Claimant the sum of <b>N3,113,662.69 (Three Million, One Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty-two Naira, Sixty-nine kobo)</b> being and representing the loss suffered by the Counter-Claimant as a result of the negligence of the Claimant in the performance of his duty while he was in the employment of the Counter-Claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant filed a reply to the Amended Statement of Defence of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant and defence to counterclaim dated 18<sup>th</sup> day of March, 2013 on 21<sup>st</sup> day of March, 2013. The Claimant also filed an additional witness deposition dated 21<sup>st</sup> day of March, 2013 on the same date.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The 2<sup>nd</sup> Defendant was served with the processes in this suit and hearing notices were also served on him before the commencement of trial. He neither filed any process in reaction to the Claimant’s processes nor attended the trial throughout. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Trial commenced with the Claimant giving evidence as CW1 and was fully cross-examined by the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant’s counsel. The Claimant tendered documents which were admitted by the court and marked Exhibits A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K and L. On its part, the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant called two witnesses, DW1 and DW2 who were both cross examined by the learned Claimant’s counsel. The 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant equally tendered Exhibits M, N and O. The evidence of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant was concluded on 24<sup>th</sup> June, 2016 and it closed its case. The case was adjourned for parties to file their respective final written addresses. The 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant filed its final written address dated 21<sup>st</sup> October, 2016 on 24<sup>th</sup> October, 2016. The Claimant filed his final written address dated 31<sup>st</sup> October, 2016 on 2<sup>nd</sup> November, 2016. The 1<sup>st</sup>Defendant filed a reply on points of law dated 7<sup>th</sup>November, 2016 on the same date. Learned counsel for the parties adopted their respective final written addresses. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In his final written address the learned counsel for the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant formulated and argued the following issues for the court’s determination:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">(I)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether in the circumstance of this case, the employment of the Claimant was not properly terminated?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">(II)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant has not proved its Counter-Claim to be entitled to the grant thereof?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On his own part, the learned Claimant’s counsel formulated and argued the following issues for the Court’s determination:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">a.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether the claimant was in the employment of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant between the 3<sup>rd</sup> day of October, 2006 and 20<sup>th</sup> day of November, 2009 when his appointment was terminated by the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">b.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">If issue (a) is in the affirmative, is the claimant entitled to his claim being salaries and allowances owed him by the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant within the said period of his employment with the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">c.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether the Claimant is entitled to the general damages as claimed for his unlawful arrest and detention by the defendants?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">d.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Whether the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant is entitled to its counterclaim before the Court?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I have carefully considered the processes filed, evidence led as well as the arguments and submissions of the parties in this case. The issues for determination are:-<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Has the Claimant proved his entitlement to the reliefs sought in this case?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Has the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant proved its counter-claim to be entitled to Judgment?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Before delving into the issues for determination let me give a brief summary of the facts of the case. The Claimant was initially employed by the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant (hereinafter “the defendant”) as a Base Manager with effect from 3<sup>rd</sup> October, 2006 and worked for it until the month of December, 2009 when his employment was determined by the Defendant. That upon his employment by the Defendant, in April 2007 he was re-deployed to the Defendant’s Eleme Power Station Site where he occupied the position of Logistics Officer at the said Eleme Power Station until his employment was determined in December 2009.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant averred that due to his outstanding performance at the said Eleme Power Station Site he received upward review of his salary which was effected on 21/4/2008. That sometime in 2008 the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant conducted an audit of some construction materials in its Eleme Power Station, namely, cement and iron rods sent to the site at various times. The 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant’s auditors discovered that some bags of cement were missing and 400 length of Y20 Iron rebars sent to Eleme Site were never delivered to the site. Following this development the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant wrote a petition which made the officers of the 2<sup>nd</sup> defendant to arrest and interrogate the claimant at the State CID. He was detained for four days before being released on bail.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">That the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant by its two letters dated 13<sup>th</sup> and 27<sup>th</sup> days of August, 2008 suspended the Claimant from duty to give way for investigation and same lasted till the investigation was concluded. After the investigation, claimant averred, which was conducted by the 2<sup>nd</sup> Defendant, the report exonerated the Claimant of any criminal liability and also recommended some of the staff of the defendant for criminal prosecution for the theft of the missing bags as well as the 400 length of Y20 iron rebers sent to the Eleme Power Project site. Thereafter, that since his suspension from duty by letters dated 13<sup>th</sup> and 27<sup>th</sup> days of August, 2008 respectively, investigation by the Police and his recall to duty by a letter dated 27/7/09 till the termination of his employment by the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant vide a letter dated 20/11/2009, he made several appeals without success to the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant to pay all his outstanding salaries and allowances. Therefore the claimant decided to file this action. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant also denied the counter-claim of the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant and characterized same as false and calculated to deny him of his entitlement.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">On its part, the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant averred that sometime in 2008 it discovered that materials requested from its Egbema and Eleme sites were either missing or out rightly diverted from the project sites. That an in-house audit investigation discovered that some material valued at N9,969,460.20 (Nine million nine hundred and sixty nine thousand four hundred and sixty naira twenty kobo) were missing. That upon that discovery the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant suspended the Claimant from work in order to pave way for investigation. It further reported the case to the 2<sup>nd</sup> Defendant for investigation. That upon the conclusion of its investigation the 2<sup>nd</sup> defendant submitted its report to the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant in which it concluded that the claimant was negligent in conducting his work and apportioned the established loss suffered to managers and logistics officers under whose watch the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant’s materials were missing or disappeared. That by its apportionment, the liability of the claimant stood at N3,113,662.69 (Three million One hundred and Thirteen thousand Six hundred and Sixty-two naira Sixty-nineKobo). The 1<sup>st</sup> defendant now counter-claims this amount against the claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">On the first issue, the Claimant submitted that he has proved his case by showing that he was an employee of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant between 3<sup>rd</sup> day October, 2006 till 20<sup>th</sup> day of November, 2009 when he was dismissed. That the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant has admitted this fact and therefore it is deemed true and correct, relying on the case of <b><i>A-G Nassarawa vs A-G Plateau State (2012) All FWLR (Pt. 630) 1262 at 1264 paras A-B.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">On the issue of entitlement of the claimant to the salaries and allowance owed him by the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant within the said period of the said employment of the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant, the question asked by the learned counsel to the claimant is whether or not the claimant was entitled to his wages and allowances during the period of suspension? Learned counsel cited the views of the learned author Akintunde Emiola, <b><i>Nigerian Labour Law, Fourth Edition, Emiola Publishers Ltd, (2008) pp 113-114</i></b>, who opined that where a suspension is to enable the employer conduct an investigation then the employer is bound to pay salaries and allowances. But however, where the suspension is for punishment, the employee cannot be entitled to any salaries and allowances. He further referred to Section 17(1)(b) of the Labour Act which makes similar provision.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He further referred to the case of <b><i>Dupe Olatunbosun vs N.I.S.E.R (1988) 3 NWLR (Pt. 80) 25 at 26, </i></b>where the Supreme Court decided on the same point by using the logic that if the employer could have dismissed the worker for misconduct without reserving the right to do so, it is a reduction ad absurdum to contend that the master who could have lawfully dismissed the servant will be guilty of wrongful act if he gave the same servant an option of suspension.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Learned Claimant’s counsel then submitted that the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant had admitted that the claimant was suspended to give way for investigation referring to paragraph 4(iii) of the Amended Statement of Defence and paragraph 7 of the written deposition of DW2. Learned counsel further argued that the claimant was recalled by the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant, vide Exhibit J, when those guilty were charged to court; but that the claimant refused to pay the sum apportioned to him by the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant which led to his dismissal by Exhibit F. And that by the said Exhibit J, the letter of recall, the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant has confirmed that the Claimant was its employee up to 20<sup>th</sup> day of November, 2009. Therefore the claimant is entitled to his salaries and allowances during the suspension period.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Furthermore, the claimant argued that the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant has not justified its reason for dismissing him to disentitle him to his salaries and allowances, relying on <b><i>Folorunsho vs WAEC (2011) All FWLR (Pt. 556) 422 at 429-430 para B-B.</i></b> In urging the court to hold that the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant has not justified its reason for the claimant’s dismissal, namely, negligence in the discharge of his duties. Learned counsel then sought to show that Exhibits M and N used by the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant to dismiss the Claimant are not credible and should be disbelieved. Exhibit M is the report of DW2 while Exhibit N is the report of the 2<sup>nd</sup> defendant. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">On the issue of whether the claimant is entitled to general damages counsel submitted that he is entitled to the damages because the 2<sup>nd</sup> defendant instigated his arrest and was unlawfully detained by the 2<sup>nd</sup> defendant from 8/8/2009 to 12/08/2009 against the constitutional limit in line with section 35(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as a mended. That with the failure of the 2<sup>nd</sup> defendant to defend this suit, the defendants’ joint and several liability for the unlawful arrest and detention has been proved.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">On his part the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant submitted that the Claimant has the onus to prove his case. That the Claimant’s employment, according to 1<sup>st</sup> defendant was properly terminated. To the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant, the Claimant was negligent in the discharge of his duties which negligence resulted in its property being stolen at its Eleme site. That Exhibit O shows that the Claimant had the responsibility to protect the property of the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant. That with his responsibility to protect the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant’s property established in Exhibit O, the indictment of the Claimant in Exhibit N, the Police Report, shows that the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant acted rightly when it dismissed the Claimant from its employment. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Learned counsel submitted further that with the establishment of negligence against him by Exhibit N there is no need for the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant to have recourse to any criminal charge before he is dismissed as it is within the domestic jurisdiction of the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant. He relied on the case of <b><i>Joseph vs First Inland Bank Plc (2009) LPELR-8854 (CA).</i></b> He further submitted that irrespective of Exhibit O there exists an implied duty on an employee to serve his employer faithfully, and any conduct inconsistent with that obligation is a breach of the contract of employment. He relied on the book <b><i>Norman M. Selwyn: Selwyn’s Law of Employment (Fourth Edition) Butterworths, London, 1982, p.153 (</i></b><i>referred to in a Compendium of Law under <b>Nigerian Legal system, Second Edition, Volume 1 at p. 1082); See also Secretary of State for Employment vs ASLEF (1972) 2 QB 443.</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Furthermore the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant contended that the dismissal of the Claimant was justified by Exhibits N and O. The fact of the negligence of the Claimant led to the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant losing property. This has affected and undermined the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant’s confidence in the Claimant which should ordinarily exist between an employer and employee. Counsel referred to the case of <b><i>Abba vs JAMB & Anor (No citation supplied by learned counsel); Nwobosi vs ACB Ltd (1995) 6 NWLR (Pt. 404) 658.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">On the issue of the claim for salaries and allowances for the period of suspension up till dismissal, the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant submitted that the claimant is not so entitled. To the learned counsel for the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant, the termination by way of dismissal brought the contract of employment to an end. He referred to <b><i>Eyesan vs NNPC (2012) LPELR-19667 (CA) pp. 30-31 paras F-D, </i></b>and urged the court not to grant the reliefs. That there is no credible evidence in support of the claim and that the Claimant did not present the Conditions of Service or salary vouchers and slips to proof the amounts of money he was entitled to. That the claim is in the form of special damages which the claim must plead specially and prove strictly. He referred to <b><i>Agunwa vs Onukwe (1962) 1 ALL NLR 537; UBA vs Ozoemena (2007) LPELR-3414 (SC), </i></b>where it was held that the law is settled that special damages must be proved strictly with relevant particulars and the onus is on the Claimant. He referred to <b><i>Ujam vs IMT (2007) 2 NWLR (Pt. 1019) 470.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Furthermore, that a worker will only expect to be paid where he has shown that he has worked even if during the period of suspension. Since the claimant has not shown that he worked during the period of suspension he is not entitled to the payment of salaries and allowances. He cited and relied on the case of <b><i>Ekunola vs CBN (2013) CLRN 23 at 53, </i></b>and <b><i>Yusuf vs Union Bank of Nigeria Ltd (1996) 6 NWLR (PT. 457) 632 SC.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">On the issue of damages of N10m for wrongful detention, learned 1<sup>st</sup> defendant’s counsel submitted that the Claimant has not shown that the arrest and detention was wrongful. The case of the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant is that it merely reported the case to the Police and the Claimant has not shown that the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant did anything outside the law to instigate the 2<sup>nd</sup> Defendant in the performance of its responsibility under the law to investigate the report made by the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Having considered the processes filed, the evidence led, arguments and submissions of learned counsel as well as authorities cited and relied upon by learned counsel, the key question to determine is whether or not the claimant is entitled to his salaries and allowances during the period of suspension by the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant up to the time he was dismissed on the 20<sup>th</sup> of November, 2009?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Before going into that the Court had asked parties to address it on the issue of jurisdiction of the court to entertain the Claimant’s claim in relation to arrest and unlawful detention by the 2<sup>nd</sup> defendant. It was only the learned Claimant’s counsel that filed an additional address on the issue dated 28<sup>th</sup> February, 2017 but which was filed on 3<sup>rd</sup> of March, 2017. The learned counsel adopted the said process on 28<sup>th</sup> day of March, 2017. In his argument in the said written address, learned claimant’s counsel referred to Section 254C(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution which provides for the court’s jurisdiction. He further referred to Section 9(2) of the National Industrial Court Act, 2006. Having done all that counsel submitted that this Honourable Court has the jurisdiction to entertain matters that have to do with the provision of Chapter IV of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He then argued that the claim of the claimant in relation to arrest and detention is covered by Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution. That the arrest and detention offends Section 35(5) of the 1999 Constitution which is in Chapter IV of the Constitution and therefore within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Learned counsel further submitted that the said claim is an ancillary relief and the court has the power to entertain and determine same since it has the power to determine the main relief which is about dismissal of the Claimant. Reference was made by counsel to the case of <b><i>Babinto-Ashaye vs E.M.A. CEN. Ent. (Nig) Ltd (2012) All FWLR p. 256 at 264.</i></b> He equally referred to <b><i>FRN vs Ifegwu (2003) Vol. 8 MJSC 36at p. 59 paras D-F, Tukur vs Government of Taraba State (1997) 6 NWLR (Pt. 510) 549 </i></b>and <b><i>Sea Trucks Nig. Ltd vs Anigboro 1SC (Pt. 1) 45 p. 59 paras D-F.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The learned Claimant’s counsel further submitted that the main or principal claim is that of salaries and allowances while the claim for damages is for arrest and detention of the Claimant at the behest of the 2<sup>nd</sup> defendant. And that by the provisions of Section 254C this court has the jurisdiction to hear and determine the main and ancillary reliefs in this case.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Having considered the arguments and submissions of counsel, I am persuaded by the argument of the learned claimant’s counsel that the second relief of the Claimant is basically an ancillary relief to the main relief which has to do with the payment of salaries and allowances which are owed the claimant by the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant. However, in the course of the circumstances that gave rise to the dispute in this case, the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant reported the Claimant to the 2<sup>nd</sup>defendant who now dealt with the complaint. Now the claimant is asking the court to grant him damages on the basis of the actions which the 2<sup>nd</sup> defendant took in the course of conducting his investigation into the report made by the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant. Therefore, I have no difficulty in holding that this claim is ancillary to the main claim which this court has the jurisdiction to entertain, hear and determine.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Back to the question raised earlier which has to do with the sole issue for determination in relation to the suit of the claimant, namely, whether the Claimant is entitled to the payment of the salaries and allowances during the period of his suspension up to the time he was dismissed, the Claimant’s submission is that he is so entitled. The basis of the claimant’s claim is that from August 2008 when he was suspended up to the 20<sup>th</sup> day of November, 2009 when he was dismissed, he was entitled to be paid his salaries and allowances. The claimant has tendered Exhibits D, letter of indefinite suspension dated August 27, 2008, Exhibit E, reply to query by the Claimant dated 4<sup>th</sup> March, 2009, and Exhibit F, dated 20<sup>th</sup> November, 2009, letter of termination. The letter of termination, Exhibit F, states the circumstances of the dismissal of the Claimant. I reproduce it hereby for ease of reference:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> <i>November, 20<sup>th</sup> 2009<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Mr Jackson Aduma<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> No. 1, Rumuibekwe Village Road<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Off Woji Road<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Port-Harcourt<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Dear Mr Aduma,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> <b><u>TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Please recall that, following the incident of theft of the company materials at RVSG Eleme Power Project, in respect of which you were suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of police investigation into the incident.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As you are aware, the police have concluded investigation into the incident and have issued a report with reference number CB:4099/RS/X/Vol.II/68 dated September 25<sup>th</sup> 2008, which indicted you for negligence of duty among others.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Management having carefully reviewed the police report, resolved to recal you to work by its letter of July 27, 2009, subject to your formal acceptance of the following:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:108.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-36.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">(i)<span style="font-style: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">To be of good behavior and exercise ‘duty care’ in the discharge of your duties.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:108.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-36.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">(ii)<span style="font-style: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">To reimburse Rockson with the portion of the total loss apportioned to you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In your letter of August 14, 2009 you clearly stated your unwillingness to reimburse the company for the losses incurred by reason of your negligence in the performance of your assigned duty.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In view of your rejection of the conditions contained in the letter of recall by the company dated July 27, 2009, the company is left with no other option than to dismiss you from its employment forthwith, on the grounds of negligence of duty.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Management wishes you the best of luck in your future endeavours.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Yours faithfully,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">ROCKSON ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED</span></i></b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Signed<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">O.A. SANGOWAWA<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">This letter of termination shows that the Claimant was indefinitely suspended, then recalled under certain conditions which he rejected, hence the termination. The 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant has positively stated that the dismissal was on the grounds of negligence of duty which they tried to justify by reference to Exhibits O, M and N. Exhibit O is the schedule of duty of the Claimant, dated April, 2007. It gives the Claimant’s name as the Job holder’s name with item 2 on the document describing the responsibilities/functions of the claimant. These are as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">3.<span style="font-style: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES/FUNCTIONS<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:90.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">LIAISON WITH COMPANY LIAISON OFFICER AND ADMINISTERING THE SITE COMMUNITY RELATIONS PORTFOLIO<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:90.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">SUPERVISING THE SITE SECURITY FUNCTIONS<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:90.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">COLLATION OF SITE ADMINISTRATIVE/SECURITY REPORTS<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:90.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">SUPERVISING THE RUNNING OF THE SITE CANTEEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:90.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">SUPERVISING THE ACTIVITIES OF OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:90.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">OVERSEEING THE COMPANY’S GUEST HOUSE(S) FOR PROJECT STAFF<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:90.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">SUPERVISING THE SITE CASHIERS FUNCTIONS AND ADMINISTERING THE EXPENDITURE OF SITE FLOAT<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:90.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">LIAISON BETWEEN SITE MANAGEMENT AND HEAD OFFICE WITH THE AIM OF RESOLVING DAY TO DAY ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES REGARDING REFERENCES/DIRECTIVES FROM HEAD OFFICE<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:90.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">COLLATION OF SITE WAGES FOR ONWARD TRANSMITTAL TO HEAD OFFICE<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:90.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">FOLLOW UP ON SERVICE BILLS FOR APPROVAL AND PAYMENT<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:90.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">FOLLOW UP ON SITE LOGISTICS<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:90.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">ANY OTHER DUTY AS MAY BE ASSIGNED BY THE SITE MANAGEMENT/PROJECT MANAGER</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">3. SPECIFIC TARGETS<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">- TO ENSURE THAT PERSONNEL, MATERIALS AND RESOURCES ARE UTILIZED E FECTIVELY TO ACHIEVE PROJECT TARGETS<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">- PROVIDING OVERRAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO SITE MANAGEMENT.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:72.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant however urged the court not attach much weight to the said Exhibit O. But then his counter argument against the responsibilities pointed out by the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant as stated in Exhibit O is his response in Exhibit E, which is his reply to a query issued to him dated 26<sup>th</sup> February, 2009. <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The claimant therefore maintained that he was not found wanting in the discharge of those duties. However, when Exhibits O and E are placed side by side the significance of the claimant’s denial that he was not responsible for the supervision of the staff who dealt with cement and rebars at the Eleme Site pales considerably. This is because Exhibits M and N have clearly shown how the investigation by both the DW2 and the 2<sup>nd</sup> Defendant indicted the Claimant for the negligence. The Claimant has tried to point to some discrepancies in both Exhibits M and N in paragraphs 4.15 and 4.16 of his learned counsel’s final written address. One of the discrepancies pointed out was that Exhibit N preceded Exhibit M. This point came from the oral testimony of the Claimant. However, a look at the two exhibits shows that it was Exhibit M that preceded Exhibit N. Exhibit M is dated 15/08/08 while Exhibit N is dated 25<sup>th</sup> September, 2008. The point here is that both documents speak for themselves. They cannot be varied by the oral testimony of the DW2 under cross examination. See <b><i>Adhia Emmanuel Essien VS Nathan Essien Etukudo (2008) Legalpedia CA CU1N.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Furthermore, the Claimant’s submission that in Exhibit N the Claimant was both indicted for being negligent and then exonerated is not supported by the document. What paragraphs (ii) and (iv) state is that the Claimant was not amongst those found to have stolen either the cement or rebars. But that has not absolved him of the allegation of negligence. In fact paragraphs 9 and 16 of the said report, Exhibit N both emphasize the negligence of the claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Having said all this, I have to state that it is the duty of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant to justify its reason for the dismissal of its employee. This is because the law is that when an employer gives a reason for the termination or dismissal of an employee, then the burden is on him to prove or justify the said reason to the satisfaction of the Court. See <b><i>SPDC Ltd v. Olarewaju</i> [2008] LPELR-3046(SC)</b>; <b>[2008] 12 SC (Pt. III) 27, <i>Angel Shipping & Dyeing Ltd v. Ajah</i> [2000] 13 NWLR (Pt. 685) 551 CA, <i>George Abomeli v. Nigerian Railway Corporation</i> [1995] 1 NWLR (Pt. 372) 451, </b></span><b><i><span lang="IT" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language:IT">Ogunsanmi v. C. F. Furniture (W.A.) Co. Ltd</span></i></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> [1961] 1 All NLR 224, <i>Mr. Kunle Osisanya v. Afribank Nigeria Plc</i> [2007] All FWLR (Pt. 360) 1480 SC at 1491; [2007] 1 – </span></b><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language:DE">2 SC 317</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> and <i>Institute of Health ABU Hospital Management Board v. Mrs Jummai R. I. Anyip</i> [2011] LPELR-1517(SC)</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">. In this case it is my holding that the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant has justified its dismissal of the claimant on grounds of misconduct through his negligence.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The main point is the Claimant’s entitlement of the salaries and allowances during the period of suspension.The Claimant has maintained that he is entitled to those salaries and allowances. The basis for the claim is that the Claimant’s suspension was predicated on the need for investigation of the Claimant. That it was not meted out to him as a punishment. Therefore he is entitled to the payment of his salaries and allowances. Reliance was placed by him on <b><i>Akintunde Emola’s Book, supra, </i></b>as well as Section 17(1)(b) of the Labour Act. The 1<sup>st</sup> defendant however submitted that it was not liable to pay the claimant’s salaries and allowances as claimed. That the claimant having been dismissed from employment and has not shown that he performed any work for the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant from the date of his dismissal is not entitled to be paid any salaries or allowances. Reliance was placed on <b><i>Ekunola vs CBN & Anor, supra.</i></b> That the claimant would only be entitled to remuneration on the basis of work done and remuneration earned, relying on <b><i>Chevron (Nig) Limited vs Titan Energy Limited (2014) All FWLR (Pt. 758) 884 at 907; UBA PLC vs BTL (2007) All FWLR (Pt. 352) 1616 at 1655.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Having considered the submissions of both counsel, the position of the law on the entitlement of a claimant to salary and allowances during suspension was stated by this Honourable Court recently in the case of <b><i>Sheu vs Lagos NURTW (First BRT) Cooperative Society Limited (2015) NLLR (Pt. 216) p. 40 at pp 134-135, </i></b>as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The case of <b>Olafimihan vs Nova Lay-Tech Nig Ltd (1998) 4 NWLR (Pt. 547) 608 </b>held that the intention to terminate the services of the employee (placed on indefinite suspension without pay with restriction as to his/her presence at the premises of the employer) can be read into the contents of a letter of suspension. This appears to be case in the instant case. Clause 38 of Exhibit C5/D5 barred the claimant from performing any duties or even to visit the place of work except with the express permission of the management.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Relying on <b>Olamifihan vs Nova Lay-Yech Nig Ltd, Lasisi Gbadegesin vs Wema Bank Plc </b>held that the indefinite suspension meted out on the claimant amounted to repudiation of the contract of employment of the claimant as from the date of the judgment without prejudice to the rights of the claimant. The claimant was accordingly held entitled to be paid all the backlog of his salary and allowances from the date of the suspension to the date of the judgment.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">This decision shows that a suspended employee, whether with or without pay, whether for a definite period or not, may be said to be entitled to his salaries and allowances during the period of the suspension. In the instant case, the claimant was suspended indefinitely by letter of 27<sup>th</sup> of August, 2008 to allow for investigation which was conducted and the claimant dismissed by the letter of dismissal dated 20<sup>th</sup> November, 2009. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Furthermore, the right of an employer to suspend can be found either in a statute or the contract of employment. In the instant case the Claimant has not placed before the court the basis of the employers’ right to suspend him. However, Exhibit D itself clearly states that the suspension is indefinite and meant to foster investigation. With the termination of the employment which followed on 20<sup>th</sup> November, 2009, the issue is just whether the claimant is entitled to his salaries and allowances for that period of suspension and not to the date of judgment. On this point I am convinced that going by the authorities, the entitlement of the Claimant to the payment of salaries and allowances during the period of suspension which started from August, 2008 till the 20<sup>th</sup> of November, 2009 is established. This is going by the principle stipulated in the decision of this Honourable Court cited above, in <b><i>Sheu vs Lagos NURTW (First BRT) Cooperative Society Limited (2015) NLLR (Pt. 216) p. 40 at pp 134-135. </i></b>See also <b><i>Aloysius vs Diamond Bank (2015) 58 NLLR (Pt. 199) p. 92, </i></b>and <b><i>Michelin (Nig) Ltd vs Alaribe (2010) FWLR (Pt. 543) p. 1998 at 2018.</i></b> The authorities have clearly shown that even where an employer suspends indefinitely without dismissing or terminating the employee’s employment, the court is bound to hold that the employment was intended to be terminated, only that it has to be terminated at the point of judgment. This is unlike the present situation where the employer, the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant had already taken the decision to terminate the Claimant’s employment by dismissal.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">There is however, the issue of the proof of the amount of money that the Claimant will be entitled to. As rightly pointed out by the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant, the nature of the Claimant’s reliefs is that of special damages and the onus is on him to produce evidence to enable court to know how the figures were arrived at. For it is the law that special damages must be specially pleaded and strictly proved to the exact amount claimed. See the case of <b><i>UBA vs Ozoemena (2007) LPELR-3414 (SC).</i></b> The Claimant has pleaded in paragraph 22(1) (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) of the Statement of Claim for the total sum of <b><u>N3,933,970.00.</u></b> being the salaries and allowances owed him by the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant which had accrued to him during the period of suspension. This is the pleaded sum. However, while Exhibit B has stated the sum of N1,992,000.00 as his Gross salary which was to take effect from 1<sup>st</sup> January, 2008, there is no any other evidence to specially prove the amount claimed. See <b><i>NMA vs Marine Management Associates Inc. & Anor (2008) LPELR-4583(CA).</i></b> With respect to the salary therefore, relief 22 (a), the sum of 1,992,000.00 divided by 12 months is N166,000. Therefore N166,000.00 X 15 months representing August, 2008 to November, 2009 is equal to <b>N2,490,000.00(Two million four hundred and ninety thousand naira)</b>. The Claimant’s claim for payment up to December, 2009 has not been justified.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Relief (b) is claim for one month’s salary in lieu of notice which is not grantable because the dismissal has been held lawful.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Reliefs c, d, e and f have not been proved strictly either by means of a document from the employer or a pay slip showing what the Claimant has been entitled to. They are therefore refused.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">I now move to the claim for damages in respect of the general damages for the arrest and detention of the Claimant by the 2<sup>nd</sup> Defendant. The claimant’s case is that he was arrested and detained at the behest of the 2<sup>nd</sup> defendant and as a result of which he should be compensated. He refers to Section 35(5) of the 1999 Constitution and the case of <b><i>A-G Nassarawa vs A-G Plateau (supra). </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">On its part the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant submitted that the Claimant is not entitled to the relief. Its learned counsel referred the court to the case of <b><i>Isheno vs Julius Berger (Nig) Plc (2008) 9 NWLR (Pt. 1084) 582 at 597, </i></b>where it was laid down that mere report of a complaint to the Police without more is not sufficient to fix a person with liability for wrongful arrest and detention.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">On this issue, I have to point out straight away that the position of the law on the arrest and detention of a person pursuant to information by a defendant is that rendering such information to the police does not give rise to any liability against the defendant. This was made very clear by the Supreme Court in <b><i>Isheno’s case, supra, </i></b>where it held as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, where, on a report made by respondent to the police about the theft of his goods, the respondent was asked whether he suspected anyone. He replied that he suspected the appellant who was consequently arrested and detained by the police for inquiry, such expression of opinion is said to be no more than putting the police on a trail upon which he can work instead of leaving him in the wilderness…Giving the police such information, therefore cannot be said to have put the law in motion against the respondent: see: <b>Esther Adefunmilayo vs Omolara Oduntan (1958) WRNLR 31; and Gbajor vs Ogunburegi (1961) All NLR (Pt.1) 853.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:107%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Thus, in the instant case, the arrest, detention and subsequent prosecution of the appellant by the police for the theft of the respondent’s stolen tipper lorries, could not form the basis for an action for damages for false imprisonment or malicious prosecution or defamation of character against the respondent…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant in this case wants the court to award damages against the defendants for the arrest and detention effected against him. But as clearly established in <b><i>Isheno’scase</i></b> above, the Claimant cannot succeed in his claim. I note that the Claimant is relying on the violation of his right under section 35(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. However, the act complained of by the Claimant is similar to the one complained of in <b><i>Ishenu’s case</i></b>, and the claimant’s application is not one predicated on enforcement of fundamental rights which should have been brought through Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules, 2009. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On the whole, the claim of the Claimant in this regard fails and is dismissed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On the counter-claim of the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant, the reliefs have earlier on been set out at the beginning of this judgment. The first counter-claim has already been pronounced upon by the court in this judgment. Therefore, for all the reasons earlier advanced I hold that the claimant was properly dismissed by the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The second claim is one for the sum of <b>N3,113,662.69 (Three Million, One Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty-two Naira, Sixty-nine kobo)</b>representing the loss suffered by the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant as a result of the negligence of the Claimant in the performance of his work. The counter-claim is also in the nature of special damages. Therefore the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant needed to plead the facts relating to the claim and then bring evidence in support. I have examined the Amended Statement of Defence of the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant dated and filed on 4<sup>th</sup> March, 2013. The amount of money being counter-claimed against the claimant is essentially pleaded as a lump sum and said to be a percentage of the sum the 1<sup>st</sup> defendant allegedly lost. The facts and circumstances showing the direct evidence linking the Claimant to the loss has neither been pleaded nor given in evidence. This I so find and hold. See <b><i>A-G Leventis Nig Plc vs Akpu (2007) All FWLR (Pt. 388) at 1030, paras E-F.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="F2CEB212" style='width:467.25pt;height:643.5pt;visibility:visible; mso-wrap-style:square'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\MBR\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.png" o:title="F2CEB212"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img width="623" height="858" src="file:///C:/Users/MBR/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.jpg" alt="F2CEB212" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1"><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p>