<p><strong> MOHAMMED JSC (Delivering the Lead Judgment): </strong> Sergius Onyekwelu, trading under the name and style of Compet Nigeria Enterprises who is the appellant in this appeal, was the plaintiff at the trial High Court of Justice of Rivers State sitting at Port Harcourt where he instituted an action against Elf Petroleum Nigeria Limited, the respondent in this court and claimed thus: </p><p>“Whereof the plaintiff claims against the defendant the sum of ₦1,000,000.00 (one million naira) being and representing special and general damages for breach of contract contained in L.P.O. No. 01164/TNN dated 27 May 1993. </p><p><em> Special Damage: </em></p><p>“1. Total value of contract executed - ₦218,800.00</p><p> 2. Interest for the month of: August 1993 at 15% of ₦165,000.00 - ₦24,750.00 </p><p>3. Charge rate of 20% of ₦165,000.00 for the month of September, October and November, 1993 - <em>₦99,000.00 </em></p><p> Total <strong> - </strong>₦342,550.00</p><p>General damages - <em>₦657,450.00 </em></p><p>Grand Total <strong> - </strong><em>₦1,000,000.00 </em></p><p> 4. An interest rate of 20% of ₦165,000.00 per month representing ₦33…</p>