Biden sworn in as 46th US President, promises to bring unity, end uncivil war

…We look forward to working with Biden, Harris — Buhari

By Ayo Fadimu

Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on a cold, bright Wednesday afternoon in the nation’s capital.

In his first speech, Biden pledged to defend the nation and fight the multiple crises facing Americans.

“Together, we shall write an American story of hope not fear, of unity not division, of light, not darkness,” he said.

Inauguration Day is always a momentous occasion in the United States, but this year the tension in the country and the challenges facing them new administration have put an unprecedented spotlight on the day. The transition of power has not been peaceful: Donald Trump incited a riot of his supporters on Jan. 6 that disrupted the counting of Electoral College votes in the Capitol and left five people dead. The heart of the nation’s capital has taken on the appearance of a conflict zone, with thousands of National Guard troops stationed around the city and a series of barricades and fences encircling the Capitol Building where Biden will be sworn in.

A Senate impeachment trial over Trump’s incitement of the riot will now loom over the early days of Biden’s presidency. Trump left tow nearly before Biden’s swearing in, breaking with more than 100 years of precedent of outgoing presidents attending the event. Meanwhile, the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage throughout the country. More than 400,000 Americans have died since the beginning of the pandemic, and Biden now needs to manage the complicated rollout of life-saving vaccines.

A little before 4pm, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden walked with their family onto the White House grounds. A buoyant Biden greeted a few people along the way. After a final wave to the parade route and a short break for photos, the Bidens hugged each other and walked into their new home.

In the meantime, President Muhammadu Buhari has welcomed inauguration Vice-President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as President and Vice President of the United States of America.

In a statement by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Wednesday, Buhari expressed hope that their presidency would mark a strong point of cooperation and support for Nigeria as well as the African continent.

Buhari congratulated the leaders and entire country on the successful transition.

According to him, this marks an important historical inflection point for democracy as a system of government and for the global community as a whole.

He said, “We look forward to the Biden presidency with great hope and optimism for strengthening of existing cordial relationships, working together to tackle global terrorism, climate change, poverty and improvement of economic ties and expansion of trade.

“We hope that this will be an era of great positivity between our two nations, as we jointly address issues of mutual interest.”

Buhari said all Nigerians rejoiced with President Biden, “sharing the proud feeling that the first woman elected Vice President of the United States has an African and Asian ancestry.”