Control1stAdmin1
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Makurdi Branch, Barr. Justin Gbagir, has declared his intention to vy for the seat of Buruku State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly.
Gbagir who made the declaration on Monday in Makurdi while briefing newsmen also announced his resignation as the Executive Director of Justice and Rights Initiative (JRI), a non-governmental organisation he founded in 2010 to promote justice, human rights, peace and good governance.
He told journalists that his decision to join partisan politics was driven by the need to effect change on a broader scale through legislative engagement and democratic governance.
He said that in his 16 years at the helm of JRI, the organisation recorded notable achievements in human rights advocacy, strategic litigation and community empowerment, adding that the successes were a product of teamwork with the board, management and staff.
Gbagir announced the appointment of Solomon Keghtor Torluam, Esq., the Senior Legal Officer of JRI, as Acting Executive Director, pending the decision of the organisation’s Board of Trustees.
Gbagir described the legislature as a symbol of democracy and the arm of government that gives citizens a direct voice in governance through lawmaking, debate and oversight.
He noted that effective legislation was central to peace, good governance and the protection of civil liberties, stressing that lawmakers must remain accountable to their constituents and responsive to their needs and aspirations.
He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the legislative and executive arms of government, saying such synergy would reduce political tension, enhance public trust and promote effective policy implementation.
Gbagir said his aspiration was also informed by the need to support the development efforts of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, whom he said had faced stiff opposition since assuming office in May 2023 particularly from “members of his party who have claimed “he ran away with a pot of soup.”
According to him, the political rancour in the state had affected governance, despite the governor’s commitment to people-centred policies aimed at addressing years of underdevelopment between 1999 and 2023.
“This opposition has led to chaotic political atmosphere in the state and has impacted negatively on governance and delivery of dividends of democracy. The lack of understanding of the Governor’s policy initiatives and priorities by the political stakeholders is not unconnected to determination and commitment of the Governor to place the people at the center stage of his governance.”
He noted that Governor Alia inherited a state burdened by salary arrears, unpaid pensions and decaying infrastructure, but said the administration had recorded visible development strides in the last two and a half years, though more time was needed to consolidate the gains.
Gbagir argued that meaningful development required patience and continuity, adding that his quest for a legislative seat was motivated by the desire to contribute to the governor’s development agenda and support a second-term bid.
Highlighting his credentials, he said he has over 23 years post-call experience, holds a Master of Laws degree from Benue State University and is currently a PhD research candidate at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, in addition to holding several leadership positions in the past.
He announced that he would contest on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that he had registered as a party member in Mbaade Ward of Buruku Local Government Area.
Gbagir appealed to the people of Buruku State Constituency and Benue at large for support, pledging to be a strong, transparent and accountable voice in the legislature, committed to integrity, inclusive governance and the overall progress of the state.
