DALHATU ADAMU, J.C.A. (Delivering The Leading Judgment): This appeal is against the judgment of the High Court of Cross River State, Calabar presided over by E. A. Uke, J. and delivered on 28th day of May, 2003. In the suit leading to the said judgment, the respondent (as plaintiff) claimed (as per paragraph 30 of his amended statement of claim at page 25 of the record) the following reliefs:-
"(i) N10 Million against the 1st - 5th Defendants as general damages for the libel expressed and implied in their petition dated 5/12/95 and particularly in the words reproduced in paragraph 8 of this statement of claim.
(ii) N10 Million against all the defendants jointly and severally as general damages for the libel expressed and implied in the 6th Defendant letter dated 19/3/97 (and particularly in the words reproduced in paragraph 15 of this statement of claim).
(iii) N30 Million against all the Defendants jointly and severally as general damages for the libel expressed and implied in the do…