ISAIAH OLUFEMI AKEJU, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment) The appellant in this appeal was the defendant in Suit No. HT/20/2007 commenced by the respondent at the Ikot Ekpene Division of the High Court of Akwa Ibom State, for the following reliefs as endorsed on the writ of summons filed on 27th April, 2007 and averred in paragraph 24 of the Statement of Claim filed on the same date:
"1. Claims N20,000.00, (Twenty Million Naira) being general damages for wrongful dismissal,
2. Reinstatement to the service of the defendant and payment of his basis (sic) salary of N209,000 per annum and other entitlements form the 18th of May, 2004, to the date of judgment.
3. In the alternative, entitled to be promoted to the next step retired with full benefits of N8,000.00 (Eight Million Naira) in view of his commendable track record and years of service in the defendant bank."
The appellant did not file any defence and did not appear at the hearing of the suit. The learned trial judge after lis…