principle which is based and must be based on the facts of the case before the
Court. Only the facts of the case can influence and determine the application or
applicability of the principle. The principle of fair hearing is helpless or completely
dead outside the facts of the case." In the circumstances and facts of the instant
case as I demonstrated earlier in this judgment, I am of the considered and firm
opinion that the complaint of fair hearing at appellant's instance is more of flying
a kite and unreal. It is therefore unavailing to him. So, I resolve issue 1 against the
appellant and in favour of the respondent." Per YAKUBU, J.C.A. (Pp. 14-17, Paras.
E-E) (...read in context)
11. CONSTITUTIONAL LAW - RIGHT TO FAIR HEARING: Attributes of the principle
of fair hearing
"I should state emphatically straight away, that fair hearing is the touchstone of
justice. And that nothing rankles the spirit and soul of a person than a resonating
feeling that he was not afforded a fair hearing in a Court of law, in a matter that
was decided against him in that Court. That is why, in Section 36(1) of the 1999
Constitution (as amended), the hallowed principle of fair hearing is clearly
entrenched and enshrined. This principle was succinctly reiterated in Rear Admiral
Francis Agbiti v. The Nigerian Navy (2011) 2 SCNJ 1; (2011) LPELR - 2944 (SC) at p.
47 per Adekeye, JSC, inter alia:- "The basic criteria and attributes of fair hearing
are: (a) That the Tribunal or Court must hear both sides not only in the case but
also on material issue in the case before reaching a decision. (b) That having
regard to all the circumstances in every material decision in the case, justice must
not only be done but must manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to have been