ISAAC WILLIE & ORS V. SUNDAY JAMES UDO IBIOK

HON. JUSTICE ISAIAH OLUFEMI AKEJU, J.C.A (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the judgment of the High Court of Akwa Ibom State, Ukanafun Division delivered on 26th June, 2006 in Suit No. HUK/12/92 commenced by the respondent through the Writ of summons filed at Uyo Division on 23rd April, 1992. The Statement of Claim was amended by the Amended Statement of Claim filed on 19th June, 2001, and in paragraph 17 thereof the respondent claimed against the appellants as follows:

"i. N1, 000,000.00 (One Million Naira) being special and general damages for libel in that the Defendant falsely, maliciously and vilely published of and concerning the plaintiff a letter title (sic) 'VOTE-OF-NO-CONFIDENCE ON CHIEF SUNDAY UDO IBOK VILLACE HEAD OF NDOT IKOT EDA' which letter was written and published to the President, Traditional rulers' Oruk Anam Local Government council and also to the Clan Head Oruk Anam Local Government Area Secretary, Traditional Rulers' Council all famil…