C. M. CHUKWUMA-ENEH, JSC (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The plaintiffs in this action at the trial court claims against the defendants jointly and severally the following reliefs as per paragraphs 24(1) to (3) of the Statement of Claim:
"(1) A declaration to the effect that having regards to its juristic character as a Registered Trade Union within the meaning of Section 1(1) of Trade Unions Act, Cap. 437 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 being such a juristic entity that has duly been issued by the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Productivity with a Certificate of Registration pursuant to Section 5 also of the Trade Unions Act (supra) neither the National Union of Electricity Employees, nor any of its members they together being collectively and in combination a body of persons engaged in the provision of an essential service within the meaning of Section 47 of the Trade Disputes Act and of Section 9(1) of the Trade Disputes (Essential Services) Act, Cap 432 and Cap 433 r…