proof now shifted to the Applicant to show to the Court by way of proof of
evidence that he scored the highest mark in the interview. A burden that
the Applicant failed to sufficiently discharge. Since the burden of proof
shifted to the Applicant it remain his duty to discharge this burden of proof
in accordance with the principle that he who alleges must proof the
truthfulness of his allegation. In the case of FEMI FALANA & ANOR V.
REPUBLIC OF BENIN & 2 ORS (2012) ECW/CCJ/JUD/02/12, this Court
held that “as always, that the onus of proof is on a party who asserts a fact
and who will fail if that fact fails to attain that standard of proof that will
persuade the court to believe the statement of the claim”. On this note, the
Applicant did not sufficiently discharge the burden of proof that shifted on
him when the Respondent witnesses led evidence before this Court that he
did not obtain any pass mark that will warrant him to be recommended for
the job and therefore not qualified for the job.
In determining whether the process of recruitment of the Respondent did
not comply with the rules as submitted by the Applicant, the Court will
analyze the evidence in support of the claim. The Applicant submits that his
letter of protest dated 4th July, 2016 seeking for investigation of the
process, shows that at some point the process became marred with
irregularity. In response to the Applicant’s Counsel’s question the
Respondent’s witness, KAPI CONSULT who had submitted a letter stating
that the Applicant scored 23.5 out of a score of 30, testified to wit:
ADEDEJI: That’s alright. Will you be surprised to be aware today that the
Defendant participated in subsequent interviews? Will you be
surprised? Will it surprise you?
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