MONICA BOLNA'AN DONGBAN-MENSEM, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): In the determination of this appeal, I find the introduction/summary of facts made in the Respondent's brief as comprehensive and representative of all the crucial facts of this appeal. I have reproduce same with some essential modification as part of this judgment. The abridged facts of the appeal are as follows:-
This is an appeal against the ruling of the Hon. Justice C. I. Uriri sitting at the Port Harcourt Division of the High Court of Rivers State.
All the parties in this appeal said to be are members of a trade union called Nigeria Civil Service Union (hereinafter called "The Union"). It is the 8th defendant/appellant. The Plaintiffs/Respondents and 1st - 5th defendants/appellants are from the Rivers State Council of The Union. The 6th and 7th defendants/appellants are the State Secretary and National President of The Union respectively.
By the Constitution and Code of Ethics of The Union (2001) hereinaf…