E. O. OGWUEGBU, J.S.C. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an interlocutory appeal by the 3rd defendant against the ruling of the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division dated 10th January, 1991. The 3rd defendant who is the appellant herein filed an application in the court below praying the court for the following orders:
"(i) An order pursuant to Order 3 Rule 4(1) of the Court of Appeal Rules, 1981, extending the time within which the 3rd defendant/ appellant/applicant is allowed to week leave to appeal against the ruling of the Ahoada High Court delivered on the 10th of July, 1981.
(ii) An order pursuant to order 3 Rule 4(1)of the Court of Appeal Rules, 1981, extending the time within which the3rd defendant/appellant/applicant is allowed to appeal against the ruling of the Ahoada High Court delivered on the 10th day of July, 1981.
(iii) An order pursuant to section 221 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1979 granting leave to the 3rd defendant/appellant…