Independence Day: I’m Happy Biden Working To Overcome Racism, Buhari Says As He Hails US

President Muhammadu Buhari has joined President Joe R. Biden Jr, the Government and people of the United States to commemorate its 245th Independence Day and the annual celebration of nationhood.

In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Sunday, July 4, President Buhari noted with delight how the Biden administration is working earnestly to overcome some of the country’s greatest challenges that include racism and the Coronavirus epidemic.

“The President is keenly watching with great interest as the Biden administration makes progress in their efforts to improve U.S – Africa ties and interactions for the betterment of the continent,” the statement read.

President Buhari said he was confident that given the shared values of democracy, rule of law and inclusive prosperity, the strategic partnership and engagements between Nigeria and the United States would continue to grow for the mutual benefits of our two countries and our peoples.

“‘Independence’ From Covid”

President Joe Biden prepared to throw a huge Independence Day party Sunday to hail America’s defeat of Covid-19, amid lingering concern that pockets of the country with low vaccination rates remain in the grip of the pandemic.

The president and First Lady Jill Biden will welcome 1,000 military personnel and their families, plus essential workers, for the largest event at the White House since he took office.

A fireworks display that traditionally draws thousands to the National Mall — echoed by similar events across the country — will allow the president to mark what he is calling “independence from this virus.”

A White House official said in a statement the president would celebrate progress against the virus but note that the job is “far from over.”

“He will urge every American to join the fight — to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated — and reiterate his administration’s redoubled efforts to boost vaccinations,” the official added.

During last year’s holiday, with the pandemic near its summer peak and towns across America reeling from protests over racism and police brutality, Washington saw a fraction of the visitors it usually welcomes.

After leading the world in Covid deaths, however — more than 600,000 — the United States has emerged as a model for getting the coronavirus under control.

With hospitalizations and deaths from Covid-19 down 90 percent since January and the country largely reopened, the message from the South Lawn will be unmistakable: what a difference a year makes.

“We do have a lot to celebrate. We are much further along than I think anyone anticipated in this fight against the pandemic,” Jeff Zients, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, told ABC.

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