The gubernatorial campaign train of Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Mayor of Newark, the largest City in New Jersey, United States of America (USA), gathered considerable momentum last weekend as the Nigerian community in the City gathered to endorse his candidacy.
The event, which took place at the popular Origin Restaurant and Lounge on Clinton Avenue, saw a large turnout of supporters of the Mayor, who unanimously pledged financial support for his campaign, and promised to mobilize residents to come out in large numbers to cast their votes on June 10, 2025 at the Democratic Party Primary to ensure that Mayor Baraka becomes the flagbearer of the party for the November election.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd of supporters, the much loved Mayor assured that when elected Governor of New Jersey, he would replicate at the state level, the good work he has been doing in the city. He promised protection (security) for families and businesses, and pledged to build a robust and inclusive economy in the state.
He restated his resolve to continue to stand up for the immigrant community, insisting that immigrants are contributing significantly to the economy of the state and the general development of the community, stressing that they should not be shut out but welcomed.
Mayor Baraka, however, challenged his audience, made up of mostly upwardly mobile young businessmen, women and professionals to translate the huge number of Nigerian nationals in Newark City in particular and New Jersey in general into votes, urging those who have not yet registered to vote to quickly do so. He also counselled all to get members of their families and friends to immediately get registered and come out on June 10 to cast their votes for him.
He assured that he will win the primary and go on to win the general election, and promised that as he pledged to carry the community along when he ran for Mayor and fulfilled his promise, he will likewise ensure that the Nigerian community is carried along when he becomes Governor of New Jersey.
The convener of the “Evening With Mayor Ras Baraka” and CEO of Origin Restaurant and Lounge, Chidi Durugo, commended the Mayor for the landmark achievements that his administration has recorded in the City, including provision of the security needed for businesses to thrive. He also identified infrastructural development, creation of a conducive environment and the urban renewal projects of the administration, pointing out that Mayor Baraka was a shining example of good leadership and democracy in action.
Durugo, who is also the founder of the Afor Market food chain in New Jersey and other parts of the United States, also commended the Mayor for his unrelenting advocacy for the wellbeing of all residents of Newark City, especially immigrants, pointing out that the gathering was, largely, in appreciation of all that the Mayor had done to lift up Newark City and make it a far better place than how he met it.
Another leader of the community, Hon. Chief Okems Okemezie hailed Mayor Baraka as a great warrior and crusader for justice for both immigrants and non-immigrants alike, stressing that he does not rest on his oars, but is tirelessly striving to unify the different peoples in the City and the state, and is always working hard to help everyone in need.
Chief Okemezie, a Commissioner in charge of African Affairs in the City of Newark and a frontline political leader in New Jersey, said that these and more of the sterling qualities of Mayor Baraka are what propelled those present at the “Meet & Greet” program to troop out. He added that the same commendable qualities are what are motivating the many more people across the state who are strongly supporting the governorship campaign of the Mayor. He, thereafter, urged all to sustain the momentum, especially as the polls are favoring the popular Newark City Mayor.
Speaker after speaker at the event, drew attention to the giant strides of Mayor Baraka’s administration in Newark City, equally pointing to all the enviable qualities that he possesses that eminently qualify him to take over from Governor Phil Murphy, also of the Democratic Party, whose second term in office is coming to an end.
Pictures are by Sir Law Ibe.
