UWAIS, J.S.C. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The appellant brought an action in the High Court of Cross River State, Calabar against the respondent in which he claimed, as per paragraphs 16 and 17 of his statement of claim, as follows:-
"16. The plaintiff therefore claims from the defendants (sic) the sum of N30,000.00 as special and general damages for wrongful dismissal.
PARTICULARS OF SPECIAL DAMAGES
Salary for 13 years (up to retiring age of 60) at N11,900.00 per annum
- N154,700.00
GRATUITY/PENSION: One year's salary
- 11,900.00
10% of annual salary per each year of the remaining 23 years after the 1st 15 years i.e. 23% of N11,900.00
- 23,370.00
Rent allowance for 13 years at N2,160.00 per year
- 28,080.00
Leave allowance for 13 years at N357.00 per year
- 4,641.00
Car basic allowance for 13 years at N840.00 per year
- 10,920.00
237,611.00
GENERAL DAMAGES 62,389.00
300,000.00
17. Whereof the plaintiff claims from the defendant:
(i) A declaration that the dismissal of th…