OGEBE, JCA (Delivering the Lead Judgment): The 1st respondent sued the appellant and the 2nd respondent before the High Court of Justice, Port Harcourt, claiming the following declarations in paragraph 18 of the statement of claim:
“1. A declaration that the cancellation of the Building Lease of Plot 119, Diobu, GRA Phase 1, Port Harcourt which was granted to Mr. Daniel, I. Okoye on the 12th day of December, 1966 by the Government of Eastern Nigeria and Registered as No. 17 at page 17 in volume 468 of the Lands Registry in the Office at Enugu and now at the Lands Registry in the Office at Port Harcourt is null and void and of no effect.
A declaration that the purported acquisition of the Plot 119,
Diobu, G.R.A. Phase 1, Port Harcourt by Rivers State
Government which was published in the official Gazette, Rivers State of Nigeria, No. 56 Volume 4 of 1/11/72 is null and void and of no effect.
Adeclaration that the said Original Lease granted to Mr. Daniel.
I Okoye on the 12th day of December…