GARBA JCA (Delivering the Lead Judgment): The respondent had taken out a writ at the High Court of Akwa Ibom State, on which were endorsed claims against the appellants as follows:
(a) A declaration that the statement by the defendants or words to the like effect that: “ The Governor (meaning the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Arc. Obong Victor Attah) informed me without mincing words that some members (i.e. Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio) have been benefiting from proceeds and contracts in his Government.. specifically that the Governor said that the Vice President one Akparawa (Barr) Anselem Eyo, was paid the sum N5 million (five million naira) as a counsel to the on-shore/ off-shore suit at the Supreme Court, Abuja.. that the Vice President was denying such benefits from the State Governor or Government” as contained in the minutes of the Central Working Committee (CWC) of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio of 14 March 2004 is false, malicious and defamatory of the plaintiff. (b) The defendant’…