By Sunday Ani
The Prime Minister of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), Dr. John Metchie, has expressed his heartfelt condolences with the Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo over the death of his father, Pa Simeon Soludo.
Pa Soludo, who died on Monday at the age of 92, is survived by seven sons, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In a statement by Mechie, he described Pa Simeon Soludo as a well-respected community leader and peacemaker, who, in spite of his position in the society, was never known to be in contention with anybody, but rather went about building bridges of friendship and reconciliation among community members.
Metchie, who is also the President General of Umueri community, stated that a man that fathered a genius and exceptional economist, banker, administrator and politician like Prof. Soludo, deserves a special place in the history of mankind.
He added that the people of Umueze, Isuofia community, Anambra State and Nigeria in general, had lost a rare breed.
According to him, while it is right to mourn the departed father of Governor Soludo because of the vacuum his exit has left, the Soludo family, including grand and great grand children, their friends and loved ones, would forever cherish the memory of Pa Simeon for living a fulfilled life and taking a glorious bow at the ripe age of 92.
His words:”It is with a grieving heart that I received the news of the passing unto glory, Pa Simeon Soludo, the father of the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and currently, the Governor of our dear state, Anambra.
“As the ASATU Prime Minister, I am well aware of the respect and dignity which the people of Umueze and Isuofia in general accord PA Simeon Soludo, first, for being the father of the best and most effective Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria till date.
“Secondly, Pa Soludo is held in high esteem across all communities in Anambra State for his recognition as a charitable community leader and peacemaker, who, in spite of his position in the society, was never known to be in contention with anybody. He was instead, a peacemaker and bridge builder, committed to friendship and reconciliation among community members.
“Among the Igbo, a man who fathered a genius and exceptional economist, banker, administrator and politician like Prof. Soludo, has already earned for himself, an exalted place in the history of mankind.
“To that effect, it is true that the people of Umueze, Isuofia community, Anambra State and Nigeria in general, have lost a rare breed among men and would miss his invaluable contributions to societal development.
“However, while we rightly mourn the departed Pa Soludo, the father of our governor, because of the huge vacuum his exit has left, the Soludo family, his siblings, children, grand children, great grandchildren, their friends and loved ones, would forever, cherish his memory for living a fulfilled life and taking a glorious bow at the ripe age of 92.
“On behalf of myself, my family and the entire communities that make up Anambra State, I pray for the Almighty God to grant Pa Simeon Soludo, a peaceful rest and repose of his soul.
“It is also our prayer that God grants Governor Soludo, his family and the people of Anambra State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”