Patricia Usolo, a retired chief magistrate in Delta State has recommended the establishment of a legal mechanism to address the disruption of justice by rich and influential people to the detriment of the poor in society.

The retired legal expert made the recommendation in Asaba, the Delta State capital at a Thanksgiving Service attended by members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, to commemorate the climax of the 16 Days Activism against Gender Based Violence.

Retired chief magistrate Patricia Usolo, observed the tendency to obstruct justice by influential people was common in cases of sexual and gender-based violence.

She noted “As a magistrate it has happened to me, instead of them to correct their person, they will go and report you to the CJ. They would write petitions to the CJ, just to make sure the matter do not go on in court.”

The chairperson of Delta State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, Stella Maris Mejulu, said the Thanksgiving Service was part of activities earmarked for the climax of 16 Days Activism to end harmful practices against women and girls.

Hon. Mejulu observed “For His grace, mercy, protection, preservation; that I, as the chairperson of this branch, I didn’t have cause to bury any of my members, nobody was hospitalized, God has kept us.

“He recognizes the fact that we serve Him through humanity and so we are here to say thank you.”

A legal practitioner, Ifeoma Iloba, spoke on the motivation to help women and children with their humanitarian services despite the challenges associated with their gender parity campaign.

She stressed “We are thankful to God for this opportunity that He gave us to help.”

The stakeholders also urged governments at national and subnational levels to focus on enforcing established laws aimed at protecting the rights of women and girls from abuse.

Meanwhile, in a sermon titled: “Surmounting Supernatural Weakness”, Deacon Godspower Eseh, of the Redeemed Church, urged the congregation to stand for the truth at home, in their work environment and in all situations.