Assistant RDC Collins Dramani Denies Allegations Made Against Him by LC5 Chairperson Hon Obitre Stephen.

It should be noted that, after the District Speaker Rt Hon Wani Emmanuel defeated in incumbent LC5 Chairperson Hon Obitre Stephen in the 24-7-2025 NRM primary election for LC5 Chairperson position, Hon Obitre filed a petition before the NRM Tribunal, and the petition dragged in the names of some partt and District officials which he alleged they played a role in his failure to win the primary election.

Written by Collins Dramani, Assistant RDC for Maracha District.

13-8-2025.

PERSONAL STATEMENT AND RESPONSE TO PETITIONER’S ALLEGATIONS.

I, Dramani Collins, Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) of Maracha, make the following statement in response to my name being repeatedly mentioned in a petition as though I am contesting for the position of Chairman LCV.

1. On the Mention of My Name

I appreciate the petitioner for making my name more widely known, even though I was not previously a political contender in this matter. The insinuation that I am campaigning for any candidate is completely unfounded and laughable. I categorically state that I have not convened, addressed, or participated in any rally intended to decampaign the petitioner or any other person. As a senior, trained NRM cadre entrusted with my current office, I am fully aware of my role and responsibilities.

2. On Meetings Allegedly Attended

The petitioner’s claim that I attended meetings with the persons mentioned in his petition is purely speculative and baseless. I have never attended any such meeting, and I say this without fear of legal consequence. Any information he claims to have received from his informants is false.

3. On the World Hygiene Day Allegation

The allegation that I openly decampaigned the petitioner during World Hygiene Day in Alikua Subcounty over a council resolution to solicit funds from pupils is entirely false. On that day, I attended a meeting with Emyooga groups in Maracha Constituency. I arrived late, found my senior supervisor already in attendance, and quietly sat among the locals, as it was my home subcounty. I was briefly introduced by my supervisor without making any remarks. I was then instructed to proceed to Yivu Primary School to officiate at the post-primary school games as Guest of Honour, after which I departed immediately.

Many district officials, including the petitioner, Hon. Ozubia, Hon. Wani, and other technical and political leaders, were present at the event.

4. On My Previous Support to the Petitioner

In the 2020 NRM primaries, while serving as the Coordinator for the Office of the National Chairman in Maracha District, I actively supported the petitioner. He is well aware that he arrived late for registration, which led to a petition against his candidature by Mr. Obini Jackim for failing to register in the NRM yellow book. Mr. Obini later withdrew his petition.

That same year, together with Hon. Buleru Grace (then Female Youth Councillor), I nominated the petitioner for the primaries. I personally mobilized extensively in Alikua Subcounty, delivering him the largest votes in that area. After his success in the primaries, I and Hon. Ario Florence acted as his proposer and seconder respectively in the general elections, and I campaigned tirelessly to ensure his victory.

5. On Political Relationships

My experience confirms that in politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies. Good deeds can be quickly forgotten. I do not understand what fault the petitioner finds in me. His repeated mention of my name in public appears aimed at tarnishing my integrity and undermining my professional standing. If his objective is to have me removed from my position, I leave the matter in the hands of the Almighty God.

6. On My Anti-Corruption Advocacy

My writings on corruption have always addressed systemic issues without naming individuals. These articles have been shared widely at both local and national levels. If anyone feels personally offended, it is without my knowledge or intention.

Conclusion

This statement is made to set the record straight and to protect my name, reputation, and integrity from unfounded allegations. All claims made against me in the petition are denied in their entirety.

Dramani Collins

Assistant Resident District Commissioner – Maracha