The Prime Minister of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), Ambassador Dr. John Metchie, has expressed grief over the death of Pa Simeon Soludo, father of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

The Governor’s father died on Monday at a ripe age of 92 and is survived by seven sons, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In a statement Tuesday which he personally signed, Metchie who is the African Director, International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), described Pa Simeon Soludo as a well-respected community leader and peace maker, 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, 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, adding that the people of Umueze, Isuofia community, Anambra State and Nigeria in general have lost a rare breed among men and would miss his valuable contributions to societal development.

According to Metchie, 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 are forever, to cherish the memory of Pa Simeon for living a fulfilled life and taking a glorious bow at the ripe age of 92.

Metchie said- ”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) who is currently the Governor of our dear state, Anambra.

As ASATU Prime Minister, I am well aware of the respect and dignity with 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 Simeon is held in high esteem across all communities in Anambra state for his recognition as a charitable community leader and peace maker, 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 valuable contributions to societal development.

“However, while we rightly mourn the departed Pa Simeon, the father of our Governor, because of the huge vacuum his exit has left, the Soludo family, his siblings, children, grand children, 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.

“On behalf of myself, my family and the entire communities that make up Anambra State, pray Almighty God to grant Pa Simeon Soludo, a peaceful rest and repose of his soul.

“It is also our prayer that God grant Governor Soludo, his family and the people of Anambra State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”