Senate chief whip Orji Kalu says he will support any aspirant that will develop Abia when elected.

Mr Kalu said this on Tuesday when a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress visited him in his Camp Neya country home in Igbere, Bende local government area.

Emeka Atuma, who came to intimate him about his aspiration, was the third aspirant to solicit his support, disclosed Mr Kalu.

“I will only support an aspirant who is ready in spirit and conscience to develop the state and ensure that commerce and industry thrive,” the senator pointed out. “I will support anybody that will ensure that there is free education for children to go to school, pay workers’ salaries and build infrastructure.”

Speaking further, he noted, “By this visit, you have demonstrated that you are running for governor. “I will support you if you are better than other aspirants, but if they are better than you, then I will support them. I wish you well, and I know that if you become governor, you will do well.”

He advised the governorship hopeful to continue to consult with other stakeholders.

He said he was hopeful that APC would choose the right candidate that could win the election. 

Earlier, Mr Atuma said his visit was to inform Mr Kalu about his ambition to become the next Abia governor.

“I have come to receive your approval and support to continue the good work you started when you were governor. I’m prepared in spirit and conscience to contest and win,” explained Mr Atuma. “I’m only seeking your approval, which is needed to ensure that the state is secure and given good direction and governance.”

Mr Atuma, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency from 1999 to 2003, described Mr Kalu as the father of modern political order in Abia.

According to him, the former governor established the political order currently maintained in the state.

(NAN)