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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><i><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">REPRESENTATIONS<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">1.<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">OBIAYI ECHEFULE Esq.; for the Claimant<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">2.<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">TONY OGBULAFOR Esq.; for the 1<sup>st</sup> Defendant<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">3.<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">LUCKY C. DURUEKE Esq.; for the 2<sup>nd</sup> Defendant<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">R U L I N G<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:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Claimant vide a general form of Complaint filed on 28/08/2015 instituted this suit against the Defendants (representing 42 other persons not specified) seeking the following Reliefs:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">i) <b>An Order</b> of this Honourable Court directing that this case even though instituted on representative basis, be and is hereby consolidated in one case <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">ii) <b>An Order</b> of this Honourable Court directing this 1st Defendant to pay one year gross salary to all the affected staff as compensation.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">iii) An Order of this Honourable Court directing the 1st Defendant to pay their salaries from the date of unlawful termination to date of settlement.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">iv) An Order of this Honourable Court directing the 1st Defendant to pay the Claimants for breach of contract<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">v) An Order of this Honourable Court directing the 1st and 2nd Defendants to jointly pay the sum of N2, 500,000.00 being the cost accessed for processing this case.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The 1st Defendant in response, filed a Memorandum of Conditional Appearance dated 17th day of September 2015 and a Notice of Preliminary Objection challenging the competence of the Court to hear this suit as presently constituted on the following grounds:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">1)<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">That the Originating processes of this suit were not served on the 1st Defendant contrary to the rules of this Honourable Court.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">2)<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">That there is no evidence that the Claimant has the consent of all the other persons to represent them in this suit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Court noted that the Motion of the Defendant /Applicant was neither supported by an Affidavit nor a Written Address, as specified by the Rules of this Court.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">So in response to the Notice of Preliminary Objection, the Claimant filed a reply, i.e. a Written Address dated the 15th day of October, 2015; and also attached in support of the said reply, an affidavit, deposed to by one I, Awele, a litigation secretary on the law firm of Obiayi E and Associates at suit 203, 1st floor, Mpape FCT, Abuja.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">In his reply, the Claimant through his counsel submitted 2 issues for determination to wit:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">1)<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Whether the claimant has shown that he has substantial interest in the subject matter which can be consolidated</span></i></b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <b>by the leave of</b> <b>this Honourable court, though the Action was instituted on representative capacity.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">2)<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Whether or not service on counsel on record is not a proper service to his client.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">ISSUE ONE<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:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Counsel submitted that where an action is sought to be commenced in a representative capacity, what is mandatory is not leave to sue in a representative capacity but that the representatives should be expressed on the writ; to this end he referred the Court to the case of <b><i>U.B.N. Plc vs NTUK (2003) 16 NWLR (PT. 845) 183 RATIOS 586</i>.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">To him the capacity to sue in a representative action can be challenged, if it is shown that the Applicant has no authorization or has no interest in the subject matters of the action. He relied on <b><i>ATANDA VS OLANRENWAJU (1988) 4 NWLR (PT. 89) 394 Ratio 9.<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:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Counsel argued that the Claimant has proved that he has substantial interest in the subject matter and the letters of employment of the rest of the Claimants in this case were also attached as evidence. To counsel, failure to obtain leave of Court or authorization of others will not vitiate the action, as all the Claimants have shown their commitment to the success of this case by submitting all their letters of employments and termination letters of their employments thereby authorizing the Claimant to represent their common interest.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">ON ISSUE 2<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Counsel submitted that service of Court process on the solicitor on record is good service. He relied on the case of <b><i>Shalimi vs Akonnola</i> <i>(1993) 5 NWLR (PT 294) </i></b>where the Court held that<b><i> </i></b></span><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“</span></i></b><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"">Representative action is not a matter of strict law which requires adherence and compliance. It is a rule of convenience. It was a rule that was originated for convenience and for the sake of convenience. Its application in cases has been relaxed. It is therefore not to be treated as a rigid rule but as a flexible tool in the administration of justice.â€</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman""> <b><i>Anatogu v. A.G. East Central State (1976) 11 SC 109; Obiode v. Orewere (1982) 1-2 SC 1 70.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> To him, in the instant case, the counsel to the Objector is the same counsel who has been appearing to defend the 1st Defendant in all of her cases and there is no evidence before this Honourable Court that his services are no longer required by the 1st 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:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Counsel further submitted that the payment for complaint, claim filling, oath, seal and service was made and it is the duty of the Court; through the Sheriff and Bailiff of the Court to effect service to the parties in any case and not the duty of the counsel; except where there is an agreement between the counsels to do so. He urged this Court to assume jurisdiction in this case and order that the case should continue on merit.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Having gone through the presentations of both parties I shall adopt the 2 issues for determination presented by the Claimant/Respondent’s counsel, to wit:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">1)<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Whether the claimant has shown that he has substantial interest in the subject matter which can be consolidated by the leave of this Honourable court, though the Action was instituted on representative capacity<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">2)<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Whether or not service on counsel on record is not a proper service to his client.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">ONE ISSUE 1<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">It is a fact that the Claimant has proved that he has substantial interest in the subject matter, and that the letters of employment of the other Claimants were surrendered by them attached to the Originating processes. This evidence before this Court can be deemed as consent or authorization to proceed on a representative action.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">All the Claimants have shown their commitment to the success of this suit by submitting all their letters of employments and termination letters thereby authorizing the claimant to pursue their common interest and common benefits.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">It is however trite learning that the rule in a representative action is a rule of convenience and is to be treated as a flexible tool in the administration of justice, to this end see the case of <b><i>BUSARI VS OSENI (1992) 4 NWLR (PT 236) 559.<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:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Where there is no formal authorization by way of document as it is in the instant case the Courts are enjoined to adopt a flexible approach, based on the facts and circumstances of each case. It is even the law that failure to obtain leave of Court or authorization of others will not vitiate the action. I so hold in his case.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Based on the issues discussed above, I resolve issue 1 in the affirmative and in favour of the Claimant/Respondent.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">ON ISSUE 2<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:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">On this issue, the matter started <i>de novo</i>, fresh complaints were filed and counsel ought to have served the Defendant/Applicants directly or ensured that such service is effected. Prior to the filing of this second suit, no one was aware whether or not the learned counsel to the Defendant was and/or would be retained as counsel or not, therefore service on him cannot be deemed as proper service.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The suit numbers are not the same since there is a fresh suit number it is my humble view that <b><i>Order 7(1) NICR 2007</i></b> should be complied with and thus the Court disagrees with learned counsel to the Claimant/Respondent in this case. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Sequel to the above, I resolve issue 2 in the Negative.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The net effect of these observations is:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">1)<span style="font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Failure to obtain leave of Court or authorization of others will not vitiate the action. In Adukwu’s case, the Court of Appeal held that “<i>where there is no formal authorization by way of document, a court of law will not hold that a Plaintiff has no authority to sue in a representative capacity. The Court adopts a flexible attitude, based on the facts and circumstances of each case. The attitude the Court adopts in matters of this nature is not a rigid one, it depends on the facts and circumstances of the case. If there is evidence that the parties appear to possess representative capacity and act or presumably act on the authority of those they represent, an appellate Court does not and will not upset a judgment of the lower Court merely on a bare objection on failure to obtain the approval of the court.â€</i><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:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Claimant ought to have served the Defendant/Applicants directly or ensured that such service is effected. That was not done. The Defendant had however entered Appearance in this matter, albeit conditional[y. He had even filed the Preliminary Objection, in furtherance to the determination of this suit. This calls for the exercise of the discretionary directions of this Court in the interest of justice. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Court therefore holds 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:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 39.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">a.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Court shall assume jurisdiction to try this matter.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 39.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">b.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Claimant shall, before the next adjournment, ensure that both Defendants are properly served with the Originating processes in this case.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 39.75pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 39.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">c.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The defendants shall file their processes and Hearing shall commence.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">This is the Ruling of this Court.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Ruling is entered accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">………………………………………………….<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">HON. JUSTICE M. N. ESOWE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>