LEGAL NUGGETS (35):meaning and use of the word 'and' .By Adedotun Habeeb Adetunji LL.M (M.IoD), FCAI.

OGUNYADE V. OSHUNKEYE & ANOR (2007)LPELR-2355(SC)

ISSUE
"AND": meaning and use of the word 'and'

PRINCIPLE
"In grammar or syntax, a sentence does not end with the word "and". It is a conjunction playing the role in grammatical construction of connecting words or phrases expressing the idea that the latter is to be added to or taken along with the first. In its conjunctive sense, the word is used to conjoin words, clauses or sentences expressing the relation of addition or connection and signifying that something is to follow in addition to that which proceeds and its use implies that the connected elements must be grammatically co-ordinate as where the elements preceding and succeeding the use of the words refer to the same subject mailer. See Black's Law Dictionary, Sixth Edition, at page 86. While the co-ordinating conjunction can begin a sentence in certain instances, its function or role in the grammar of the amended statement of claim is to add more thing or things to the reliefs sought". PER Niki Tobi, J.S.C. (Pp.20-21, Paras.G-D)