New Jersey gets its first African born judge

Jude O. Nkama was born in Nigeria, West Africa. He came to the United States and obtained a law degree at Seton Hall University, New Jersey, worked his way up through the legal establishments and eventually became the Chief Prosecutor in the City of Newark, New Jersey.
On WednesdayJanuary 6, 2016, the affable Jude Nkama was sworn in at the Municipal Council Chambers as Judge of the Newark Municipal Court. The Honorable Jude O. Nkama’s swearing in at Newark City Hall would go down for its historical uniqueness.
Not only was attendance unprece- dented, with its attendant gorgeous mosaic of culture et al, but his appointment as Judge is the first of an African born in the history of Newark and indeed the State of New Jersey. He is the third African-born judge in the United States.
Newark City Mayor, the Honorable Ras Baraka described Judge Nkama as ā€œ a very humble man with a good temper for the job.ā€ Close associates heaped praises on Judge Nkama for hard work, good-natured character, and unparalled humility. Present at the ceremony were diplomats, politicians, civic, traditional, and religious leaders of different persuasions and throngs of Africans, especially Nigerians.
The Master of Ceremony was the Honorable Ugochukwu Nwaokoro, a Nigerian born Deputy Mayor of the City of Newark.
The Oath of Administration was performed by the Honorable Glen A. Grant, JAD, Director, Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), New Jersey. Invocation was by the Rev. Fr. Longinus Ugwuegbulem, Associate Pastor BSSCD/Igbo Catholic Community and closing prayer by Imam Aqeel Mateen, United Muslim, Inc.

Credit: Dosso Kassimou