UBA PLC
V.
UBOKULO & ORS
NWALI SYLVESTER NGWUTA, JCA (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This appeal is against the ruling of Mbaba J. of the High Court of Akwa Ibom State, Uyo Judicial Division, delivered on 21/7/04, in which order nisi made on 29/6/2004, was made absolute.
In the court below the Plaintiffs commenced suit No Hon /47/97 against the defendants in the High Court of Akwa Ibom State, Oron before Esang J. claiming the sum of N1,205,753.31.
The matter was at the instance of the Plaintiff placed in the undefended list.
However, based on the notice of intension to defend the suit and affidavit, disclosing a defence on the merit Esang J. returned the case to the general cause for hearing and determination, giving the parties 30 days within which to file their Pleadings.
His Lordship suo motu transferred the suit to the Hon. Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State for reassignment to another Judge in the state. The order stated that, "The reason for transfer is on personal grounds" see page 8 of the records. Th…