From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has picked hole in the decision of the founding fathers of Nigeria to abolish the regional government system that was introduced shortly after Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

He said that records confirmed that the regional government system was more effective than the unitary system of government, insisting that it helped in the development of Nigeria at that time, saying that it’s abolition opened the door for backwardness and underdevelopment being witnessed in the country.

Dr Jonathan made the observation in Abuja yesterday as a keynote speaker at the maiden memory lecturer of Captain Idahosa Okunbo, organized by his family and friends in honour of the legacies of  the late Okunbo.

Aside former President Jonathan who delivered keynote address, high-class dignitaries, notably Olu of Warri; former and serving governors, as well as captains of industry, lawmakers and other dignitaries were in attendance.

Jonathan made reference to the successes recorded during the period, particularly in Southwest, which he said was responsible for the significant growth and human capital development in the region.

He said: “After the amalgamation, we were governed at the regional levels not tribes. Western region, Eastern region, later Midwestern region witnessed impressive growth and development. We could see a kind of draggy kind of fight between all the cities that are struggling to control the affairs of the nation.

“Southwest was regarded as one of the most developed part of Africa then. So, I believe if we had been allowed to continue that way, and probably the major regions may have a kind of peer review, looking at what others are doing to also do better, the country would have been better off.

“If we look at what happened in the Western region, for example, where we came up with this policy of free education which was one key thing that can be used to unite and advance people. You look at what we did, of course, the University of Ibadan, first television station in Nigeria and so on.”

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He, therefore, challenged current politicians to champion a cause of national unity, and eschew the practice of tribalism, religion and other differences that promote division among the people.

He commended the family of the late Okunbo, for upholding the legacies and goodwill established by their late father, challenging them to ride on the established platform and possibly exceed his achievements.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Osaho Okunbo, appreciated the moral and other supports received from members of the public since the demise of their father last year.

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesile, Rivers State-born politician, Tony Cole, and several others participated in the panel of discussion on how to sustain legacies that would outlive the people that set it.

Also speaking, the former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, looking at huge investment in basic education system and the result thereof, acknowledged that former President Jonathan left a legacy in the education sector, but was perhaps, mismanaged or mishandled after his exit.

Oshiomole pointed out that the establishment of Almajiri schools across the northern states was a major landmark policy that was designed to pull millions of Almajiri children out of the street and return them to the classrooms for human capital development.

He assured Jonathan that he would be greatly remembered for all the good things he did for Nigeria during his time as president.

He said that politics was responsible for the failure of Jonathan to be re-elected in 2015, saying that people should accept that fate, just as he commended him for coming to deliver the memorial lecture in expression of his love and friendship for the late Captain Okunbo.