Erstwhile Executive Director of the Justice and Rights Initiative (JRI), Mr Justine Gbagir, has received blessings from his Mbaade kinsmen, Mbagen, in Buruku Local Government Area (LGA), Benue State, to run for the 2027 Buruku State Constituency election.
On February 2, Mr Gbagir announced his decision to resign from his position as Executive Director of JRI, “to step into the arena of politics,” a path he believes is “essential for effecting change on a larger scale.”
Mr Gbagir, a Chartered Arbitrator, founded JRI in 2010 and, over the last 16 years, has engaged in several activities, including strategic human rights advocacy and litigation, with a view to expanding the domestic jurisprudence on human rights and justice.
He was presented to the people of Mbaade Council Ward at a joint meeting of traditional rulers, elders, women and youth, who resolved to support his aspiration to represent Buruku State Constituency in the forthcoming Benue Assembly.
Pointman of Benue State Governor in the ward, Mr Agber Terseer, expressed his support for the assembly hopeful and encouraged the people of Mbaade to do the same.
Traditional rulers, elders, women, and youth all blessed Mr Gbagir’s aspirations and pledged their unwavering support.
They emphasised that the project was not a party issue but Mbaade project and urged all Mbaade sons and daughters to lend their support despite political party differences.
