President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has revealed that he met some debts and financial challenges when he emerged as the leader of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation last April.

The Ohaneze Ndigbo president, however, praised Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, for coming to the rescue of the organisation by providing financial support.

Iwuanyanwu disclosed this at a meeting with the leadership of Ohanaeze, state governors from the region and members of the National Assembly held at Imo State Governors Lodge in Abuja on Monday evening.

“I met some debts and financial challenges when I came in as president general of Ohaneze. But thanks to people like Hope Uzodinma who came to our rescue. He brought in his PROs (public relations officers) and provided everything including security to make the journey very easy for us.

“It is important to mention here that this is not the first time he has done that. When he was a senator many years ago, I think he gave us N16 million that time. When our structure was attacked by these unknown gunmen, he rebuilt the house. And whenever we have a problem, he has been a dependable person.

“Even as a governor, he has done well. I have monitored his progress and can confidently say I am very proud of him. I must also say as your president general, I am very proud to be your leader,” he said.

The crucial meeting was well attended by political heavyweights and crème de la crème from the South East.

In attendance were Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige; former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh; former aspirant for the leadership of 10^thSenate, Osita Izunaso; former Senate President, Pius Anyim; immediate past minority leader of the 9^thSenate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and another ex-Senate President, Adolphus Wabara. (The PUNCH)