BITRUS GYARAZAMA SANGA, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This Suit No. PHC/1696/2008 was filed by the Respondent as Claimant on 23rd October, 2008 against the Appellant as Defendant via a Writ of Summons and a Statement of Claim. The Claimant seeks against the Defendant the following: -
1: A declaration that in the absence of any renewal in favour of the defendant of the 40 years lease dated 30/03/61 granted Messrs. George Ezeikpe, Sunday Agwu, Anagha Ezeikpe and Agu Anagha carrying on business in the name and style of George Ezeikpe Brothers and Sons by the government of Eastern Nigeria in respect of Plot 2 in Block 260 Wobo Layout at Port Harcourt in the then Port Harcourt Provice of Easter Nigeria, which commenced from the 01/01/59, expired on 02/01/99.
2: A declaration that upon the creation of the Rivers State from the Eastern Nigeria in 1967, the Rivers State Government automatically became the lessor of the said property, Plot 2, Block 260 Wobo, Layout and are therefore …