<p>THOMAS, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal by the defendant/appellant against the part judgment in suit No. PHC/1058/98 delivered on 17th June, 2002 by the Hon. Chief Judge of Rivers State. The plaintiff/respondent at the lower court by his writ of summons and the amended statement of claim as shown in the record of appeal at pages 1- 3 and 13 - 20 respectively are as follows:</p><p> &quot;Wherefore the plaintiff claims against the defendants as follows:</p><p> (a) A declaration that the purported termination of the appointment of the plaintiff by or through an independent contractor not being his employer is null, void and of no effect whatsoever.</p><p> (b) A declaration that the plaintiff is still in the employment of the defendant his employment having not been validly terminated through a 3rd party. </p><p> (c) An order directing the defendant to re-instate the plaintiff to his status or position as a servant of the defendant without prejudice to entitlements and promotions which might h…</p>