RHODES-VIVOUR, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): In the High Court of Rivers State holden at Port Harcourt in suit No. PHC/4/97 the plaintiff, now the respondent claimed as per his paragraph 30 of the statement of claim against the defendant, the appellant herein as follows:-
"30. Wherefore the plaintiff claims against the defendant as follows:-
(a) ₦502,400 being balance outstanding against the defendant in respect of electrical work carried out on its behalf by the plaintiff in September 1995 and July 1996.
(b) ₦1.9 million being damages and losses plaintiff suffered by reason of the defendant's failure to pay the contract price as and when due.
(c) ₦20 million general damages for breach of contract and libel of the plaintiff by the defendant.
(d) 25% interest per annum on the total sum of ₦22,402,400 from December 1996 until judgment is delivered in the matter and thereafter 25% interest per annum thereon until full payment thereof is made."
The Facts
The plaintiff and th…