<p><strong> ADAMU JCA (Delivering the Lead Judgment): </strong> This is an appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court sitting at Lagos (per A. A. Gumel J as hethen was). The appellants(as plaintiffs) and in a representative capacity sued the respondents at the said court where they claimed (as per their amended statement of claim at page 63 of the record of appeal) as follows:</p><p>“15 Whereof the plaintiffs claim from the defendants jointly and severally the following:</p><p>A declaration that the plaintiffs are entitled to their salaries and allowances having worked for the defendants from January 1997 to October 1999.</p><p>Particulars of special damages Payment of N10,234,809.52k (ten million, two hundred and thirty-four thousand, eight hundred and nine naira, fifty-two kobo) being salaries and allowances of 42 (forty-two) out of the 48 (forty- eight) plaintiffs herein as shown, in the above particulars.</p><p>Transportation to and from the defendant’s office since October 1999 till date ... Nl00,000.00 Solicitor’s …</p>