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Ohanaeze President-General Passes On Buhari, Obasanjo, Jonathan, Others Mourn
President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worlwide, Prof George Obiozor, is dead.
He was the 10th president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, announced this in a statement, Wednesday night.
“On behalf of the Government of Imo State, I, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State, sorrowfully announce the passage of a great son of Imo State and Nigeria, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof George Obiozor,” he said in the statement.
Uzodinma described the deceased as “an exceptional diplomat and a tenacious patriot.”
The governor said Obiozor’s demise was a big loss to the state, South-East and entire Nigeria.
“I have no doubt that both Nigeria and the international community will miss his profound intellectual contributions and wise counsel on national and global issues,” Uzodinma stated.
He said Obiozor’s burial arrangements will be announced in due course by the family.
The announcement has ended days of speculations about the death of Obiozor, who was reported to have died on Monday at his residence in Imo State.
Uzodinma did not state when Obiozor died.
He simply said the octogenarian died “recently” after a brief illness.
A member of the OhanaezeNdigbo, who asked not to be named, said that Obiozor died of a heart-related disease.
“One of his family members called and told me about it,” he said.
Obiozor, a professor, died on December 26 at the age of 80.
He was elected 10th President-General of OhanaezeNdigbo on January 9, 2021, taking over from NniaNwodo who exited office after the expiration of his four-year tenure.
Obiozor hailed from Awo-Omamma in the Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.
He served as Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Israel and Cyprus.
The Ohanaeze leader attended the Institute of African Studies in Geneva, Switzerland, and the University of South Tacoma, Washington, US, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1968 before proceeding to Columbia University, New York, where he had a master’s degree in international law.
He served as a lecturer at Pratt Institute, New York City between 1971 and 1975, and as assistant professor of political science at City University of New York, among others.
During his time as the president of the Ohanaeze, he consistently called for the emergence of a Nigerian president of South-East extraction in 2023.
Reacting, President MuhammaduBuhari, described the death of the President General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, OhanezeNdigbo, Prof George Obiozor, as an immeasurable loss to Nigeria.
Buhari said he was deeply saddened by the passing of Obiozor.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, the President extended his heartfelt condolences to Obiozor’s family, the government and people of Imo State as well as Ndigbo, at home and in the Diaspora.
According to the statement, “Describing his demise as an immeasurable loss to the country, the President notes that the former Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States, High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus, Ambassador to the State of Israel and former Director-General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) exemplified leadership skills and values as a thoroughbred diplomat.
“The President believes that the contributions of the unique leader and strong proponent of peace and a stable polity, who also held other strategic public positions, will never be forgotten.
“President Buhari trusts that all who mourn the demise of the statesman, who commanded great respect among his peers in the academia and foreign policy arena, will honour his memory by actively embracing his beliefs and ideas geared towards uniting Nigeria beyond geo-political considerations.
“The President has fond memories of meeting Prof. Obiozor on several occasions, and values his endearing sense of patriotism.”
The statement further said that President Buhari “joins the Igbo nation in mourning the irreparable loss of this great son of Nigeria, even as he prays for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased.”
Similarly, former President, Chief OlusegunObasanjo, said that the death of OhanaezeNdigbo’s President, Prof. George Obiozor, was very painful because he still had lots to contribute to the growth of the nation.
Obasanjo, who spoke from Ethiopia, said, “The finality of Ambassador Obiozor is painful, especially as he still had a lot to contribute to community and national life, but we can draw some solace from knowing that he left his mark indelibly in whatever he was called upon to do. In all the assignments he was given, quality and integrity were his imprint and legacy.”
The former President, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, KehindeAkinyemi, said “The good work he did while he served as Nigerian Ambassador to Israel and the United States of America was a fitting complement to my administration’s painstaking efforts to re-make the international profile of our dear country.
“Indeed, for the enviable and sensitive positions he occupied both at home and abroad, and the developmental roles he played while in active service, Ambassador Obiozor would be fondly and proudly remembered as a foremost multi-lateralist, an erudite scholar, a passionate nationalist, and a diplomatic legend of international repute. He was an icon and a true Nigerian”.
Obasanjo further noted that “it is also worthy of note that Ambassador Obiozor acquitted himself as a peace-loving, unassuming and committed patriot. He was a firm believer in democracy and participatory governance.
“Until his death, he built for himself an impressive profile of immense goodwill and affection among his people. He was imbued with an undying love for his people which informed his acceptance to serve as the President of OhanaezeNdigbo so as to assist in ministering to, and advocating for their needs and truly, he was committed to the development and global vision of his people and the entire South-Eastern region of Nigeria till he breathed his last”.
Obasanjo commiserated with the Imo State governor, Obiozor’s family and the entire good people of Imo State, and prayed that “God, in His mercy, will comfort you all. May God, in His mercy, grant him the reward of the faithful”.
In his reaction, former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed sadness over the passing of the President-General of OhanaezeNdigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor, describing his death as a huge loss to the nation.
Jonathan, in a condolence message he personally signed, yesterday in Abuja, described the former Nigerian ambassador to the U.S. as a great patriot, an accomplished diplomat and a foremost nationalist.
The ex-president who commiserated with the Obiozor family, the government and the people of Imo as well as the Ndigbo in general, recounted the deceased’s contributions to the growth and development of the nation.
“Prof. Obiozor was a great patriot whose love for the nation and his people knew no bounds in his selfless service towards the unity and development of our country.
“He was an accomplished diplomat, globally acclaimed scholar and prolific author with a reputation for charming intellectualism and boisterous engagements in international relations and academic research.
“He was a foremost nationalist and Igbo leader who continued to make remarkable impact even in retirement,” he said.
Jonathan further said that while serving as the President-General of OhanaezeNdigbo, Obiozor robustly deployed his wisdom, knowledge and experience in the last two years to advance the cause of Ndigbo and enhance national integration.
He added that Obiozor left enduring legacies and would be missed by his family and friends as well as the diplomatic, academic and cultural communities across the world.
Also, former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr Orji Kalu, described the passing of President General of OhanezeNdigbo, Prof. George Obiozor, as a colossal loss to the nation.
Extolling the virtues of the late envoy, Kalu stressed that Obiozor made invaluable contributions to nation-building in various capacities.
Kalu noted that the late diplomat was a nationalist with a passion for the growth and progress of Nigeria, adding that his wise counsel and intellectual contributions to global discourse will be greatly missed.
In his tribute to the late Obiozor made available to newsmen in Abuja, yesterday morning, the former governor emphasised that the deceased was a rallying point for his contemporaries and the younger generation, many of whom seek counsel and advice from him.
He said: “It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the demise of President General of OhanezeNdigbo, Prof. George Obiozor.
“The passing of the envoy is a big loss to Nigeria and the international community in view of the robust roles the late diplomat played at the sub-national, national and global levels.
“His intellectual contributions to global discourse were enormous and worthy of commendation.
“The personal attributes of the deceased were anchored on fairness and equity.
“He was a strong advocate of a fair and ideal society anchored on credible leadership and good governance.
“The late President General lived a purposeful life and left behind remarkable legacies for his family, loved ones and leaders to uphold”.
Kalu commiserated with Ndigbo, the government and the people of Imo State while praying to God to grant the late statesman eternal rest.
Also, one of the founders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and a member of the Ime-Obi (Inner Caucus) of the umbrella body of the Igbo Socio-cultural Organisation, OhanaezeNdigbo, Chief ChekwasOkorie, has described the sad and painful the death of President-General of Ohanaeze, Prof George Obiozor.
Okorie said he was greatly saddened by the death of the highly respected Obiozor because “his death has left a huge void in the leadership of Ohanaeze.”
The former APGA national chairman continued: “He brought incomparable intellectual depth, maturity, forthrightness, courage and diplomatic savvy to bear in his leadership of Ohanaeze. Ndigbo are by their very nature highly critical and republican. Our expectations from our leaders are usually high.
“Professor Obiozor excelled and delivered on his mandate excellently. When it was the turn of Imo State to occupy the exalted office of the President General of OhanaezeNdigbo Worldwide, the state presented an array of highly qualified persons that made the contest keen and very competitive.
“When all factors were considered Professor George Obiozor emerged the undisputed choice of overwhelming majority of the large and unprecedented delegates of Ohanaeze leaders from the 36 states of Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory and the Diaspora Igbo leadership.
“Professor Obiozor spoke truth to power and was a strong advocate of a united Nigeria where justice, equity and fairness will reign supreme.
“The cold hand of death cut short the tenure of Professor Obiozor as the President General of OhanaezeNdigbo Worldwide. He will be greatly missed by Nigerias, the Diplomatic Community and Ndigbo in particular. May his noble soul rest in peace.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it has now received a total of 129 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.
The update was provided during the commission’s regular weekly meeting held in Abuja, yesterday.
According to a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, seven new applications were submitted within the past week, adding to the previous number.
“At its regular weekly meeting held today, Thursday 10th July 2025, the commission received a further update on additional requests from associations seeking registration as political parties.
“Since last week, seven more applications have been received, bringing the total number so far to 129. All the requests are being processed,” the commission stated.
The commission revealed the introduction of a new digital platform for political party registration. The platform is part of the Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System and aims to streamline the registration process.
Olumekun disclosed that final testing of the portal would be completed within the next week.
“INEC also plans to release comprehensive guidelines to help associations file their applications using the new system.
“Unlike the manual method used in previous registration, the Commission is introducing a political party registration portal, which is a module in our Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System.
“This will make the process faster and seamless. In the next week, the commission will conclude the final testing of the portal before deployment.
“Thereafter, the next step for associations that meet the requirements to proceed to the application stage will be announced. The commission will also issue guidelines to facilitate the filing of applications using the PFRAS,” the statement added.
In the meantime, the list of new associations that have submitted applications has been made available to the public on INEC’s website and other official platforms.
President Bola Tinubu yesterday signed into law four tax reform bills aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework.
The four bills include: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.
They were passed by the National Assembly after months of consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, yesterday.
The ceremony was witnessed by the leadership of the National Assembly and some legislators, governors, ministers, and aides of the President.
The presidency had earlier stated that the laws would transform tax administration in the country, increase revenue generation, improve the business environment, and give a boost to domestic and foreign investments.
“When the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments,” Special Adviser to the President on Media, Bayo Onanuga said on Wednesday.
Before the signing of the four bills, President Tinubu had earlier yesterday, said the tax reform bills will reset Nigeria’s economic trajectory and simplify its complex fiscal landscape.
Announcing the development via his official X handle, yesterday, the President declared, “In a few hours, I will sign four landmark tax reform bills into law, ushering in a bold new era of economic governance in our country.”
Tinubu made a call to investors and citizens alike, saying, “Let the world know that Nigeria is open for business, and this time, everyone has a fair shot.”
He described the bills as not just technical adjustments but a direct intervention to ease burdens on struggling Nigerians.
“These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes. They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet,” Tinubu wrote.
According to the President, “They will unify our fragmented tax system, eliminate wasteful duplications, cut red tape, restore investor confidence, and entrench transparency and coordination at every level.”
He added that the long-standing burden of Nigeria’s tax structure had unfairly weighed down the vulnerable while enabling inefficiency.
The tax reforms, first introduced in October 2024, were part of Tinubu’s post-subsidy-removal recovery plan, aimed at expanding revenue without stifling productivity.
However, the bills faced turbulence at the National Assembly and amongst some state governors who rejected its passing in 2024.
At the NASS, the bills sparked heated debate, particularly around the revenue-sharing structure, which governors from the North opposed.
They warned that a shift toward derivation-based allocations, especially with VAT, could tilt fiscal balance in favour of southern states with stronger consumption bases.
After prolonged dialogue, the VAT rate remained at 7.5 per cent, and a new exemption was introduced to shield minimum wage earners from personal income tax.
By May 2025, the National Assembly passed the harmonised versions with broad support, driven in part by pressure from economic stakeholders and international observers who welcomed the clarity and efficiency the reforms promised.
In his tweet, Tinubu stressed that this is just the beginning of Nigeria’s tax evolution.
“We are laying the foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent, and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria.
“A tax regime that rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and mobilises revenue without punishing productivity,” he stated.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, the National Assembly, and Nigeria’s subnational governments.
The President added, “We are not just signing tax bills but rewriting the social contract.
“We are not there yet, but we are firmly on the road.”
The Senate has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over its failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts probing alleged financial discrepancies amounting to over ?210 trillion in its audited reports from 2017 to 2023.
Despite being summoned, no officials or external auditors from NNPCL showed up yesterday.
However, representatives from the representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and Department of State Services were present.
Angered by the NNPCL’s absence, the committee, yesterday, issued a 10-day ultimatum, demanding the company’s top executives to appear before the panel by July 10 or face constitutional sanctions.
A letter from NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Dapo Segun, dated June 25, was read at the session.
It cited an ongoing management retreat and requested a two-month extension to prepare necessary documents and responses.
The letter partly read, “Having carefully reviewed your request, we hereby request your kind consideration to reschedule the engagement for a period of two months from now to enable us to collate the requested information and documentation.
“Furthermore, members of the Board and the senior management team of NNPC Limited are currently out of the office for a retreat, which makes it difficult to attend the rescheduled session on Thursday, 26th June, 2025.
“While appreciating the opportunity provided and the importance of this engagement, we reassure you of our commitment to the success of this exercise. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”
But lawmakers rejected the request.
The Committee Chairman, Senator Aliyu Wadada, said NNPCL was not expected to submit documents, but rather provide verbal responses to 11 key questions previously sent.
“For an institution like NNPCL to ask for two months to respond to questions from its own audited records is unacceptable,” Wadada stated.
“If they fail to show up by July 10, we will invoke our constitutional powers. The Nigerian people deserve answers,” he warned.
Other lawmakers echoed similar frustrations.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) insisted that NNPCL’s Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, must personally lead the delegation at the next hearing.
The Tide reports that Ojulari took over from Mele Kyari on April 2, 2025.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) said the two-month request suggested the company had no answers, but the committee would still grant a fair hearing by reconvening on July 10.
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) warned the NNPCL against undermining the Senate, saying, “If they fail to appear again, Nigerians will know the Senate is not a toothless bulldog.”
Last week, the Senate panel grilled Segun and other top executives over what they described as “mind-boggling” irregularities in NNPCL’s financial statements.
The Senate flagged ?103 trillion in accrued expenses, including ?600 billion in retention fees, legal, and auditing costs—without supporting documentation.
Also questioned was another ?103 trillion listed under receivables. Just before the hearing, NNPCL submitted a revised report contradicting the previously published figures, raising more concerns.
The committee has demanded detailed answers to 11 specific queries and warned that failure to comply could trigger legislative consequences.