BENUE STATE GOVERNMENT & ORS V. AMATEZE CHIZOBA C. & ORS

JUMMAI HANNATU SANKEY, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an interlocutory Appeal predicated against the Ruling of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria sitting in Makurdi in suit no. NICN/MKD/15/2012, delivered on 5th March, 2014 by Abali, J., wherein the Lower Court overruled the preliminary objection raised by the Appellants to the hearing of the action, contending that it was statute barred by virtue of the Public Officers (Protection) Law Cap 140, Laws of Benue State, 2004 and The Limitation Law cap 96, Laws of Benue State, 2004.

The Claimants, (hereinafter referred to as the Respondents), were prior to the institution of this action, teachers in various Primary Schools in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The Respondents' letters of appointment were issued by various Educational Authorities to wit: The Catholic Education Authority, Benue State Primary Education Board, Makurdi, 31 Airborne Brigade Education, Nigeria Army, Makurdi and Local Government …