The father of the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate
Prof. Soludo
for the February 6, 2010 governorship election in Anambra State Prof. Chukwuma Soludo , 78-year-old Pa Simeon Soludo, was reportedly kidnapped at about 7 : 00 PM Nigerian time in his village Isoufia, , in Ekwuluobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State Nigeria.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chukwuemeka Emeka, and the Divisional Police Office of the area, Mr. Bang confirmed the incident. Emeka said Policemen have been dispatched to the area to investigate the circumstances leading to the kidnap of the septuagenarian.
This would be the second time the aged father of Soludo would suffer attack from unknown assailants.
Soludo campaign reacts: RE: KIDNAP OF PA SIMEON NWANKWO SOLUDO THEY CANNOT BREAK OUR WILL TO SERVE
1. At about 6pm today, Tuesday, October 27, 2009, a gang of armed men invaded the village residence of 78 year old Pa Simeon N. Soludo and kidnapped him. Up until now, no word has been heard as to his whereabout. Pa Soludo is the father of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria , and the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming election in Anambra State , Professor Chukwuma C. Soludo.
2. This current action against Pa Soludo is reminiscent of the brutal attack on him in January 2006 after Prof. Soludo completed the banking consolidation and revoked the licenses of 14 banks. In that attack, Pa Soludo was left for the dead and he permanently lost an eye. That was his prize for the son’s attempt to rescue the banking system. From all indications, this kidnap is politically motivated as his son (Prof. Soludo) is the clear front-runner to win the next gubernatorial election in Anambra.
3. We wish to urge Prof. Soludo’s supporters, all Anambra people and indeed Nigerians to remain calm. Prof. Soludo is in high spirits. According to him, “this one too shall pass away”. He considers this as one of the many travails that must come to pass on his road to rescue and salvage Anambra State from the cabal that insists on holding the state hostage. We believe that the cabal knows that with Soludo as Governor, it can no longer be business as usual, and that is why they are fighting desperately in an attempt to break his will. By the special grace of God, and the resolve of the people, they cannot succeed! Prof. Soludo has resolved to make security of lives and property in the state a major plank of his administration.
4. We wish to thank the Inspector General of Police and all the Intelligence and Security agencies for their prompt response so far. We also thank all our friends and well wishers for their concern and support. We all pray for the safe return of Pa Soludo who is paying an unusual sacrifice for the salvation of Anambra State .
Leo Chiegboka
For the Soludo Campaign Organization