Lawyer Assan Martin has launched an attack on opposition politician Essa M. Faal, accusing him of dishonesty and alleging that he previously scammed someone in The Gambia.

Martin, spokesperson for the Coalition of Change, made the allegations while responding to Faal’s recent criticism of the opposition coalition process and his claims concerning the leadership of Talib Ahmed Bensouda.

Martin said Faal had acknowledged to him that he did not have the financial resources to pursue his political ambitions, accusing the former presidential candidate of presenting a different picture publicly.

“The guy lied and he is a scammer. I sat with him and Essa Faal told me, bro, we don’t have where to get money,” Martin told Eye Africa.

He further accused Faal of portraying a false image of himself and his political capacity.

“This guy is living a self-false life. Essa Faal is a scammer,” Martin alleged.

Martin went further, claiming that Faal had previously scammed another person in The Gambia and said the alleged incident was captured on camera.

“I am saying this vehemently, and that person caught him on camera. I have never scammed anyone in The Gambia and he did,” he said.

The Coalition of Change spokesperson used the allegations to question Faal’s suitability for political leadership, arguing that the conduct he attributed to him should raise concerns about his credibility.

“He is not fit to be a leader,” Martin said.
However, the allegations made by Martin remain unsubstantiated claims, and no independent evidence has been presented to establish them.

Martin also addressed his relationship with Talib Bensouda, saying that despite supporting Bensouda’s political ambitions and helping him secure the mayorship of Kanifing Municipal Council in 2018 and 2023, he had never personally benefited financially from him.

“I have never gone into Talib Bensouda’s home even though I helped him to be mayor in 2018 and 2023, and he had never given me a butut,” Martin said.

He also referred to Bensouda’s mother, a lawyer, saying that despite knowing her professionally, he had deliberately maintained personal boundaries because of his principles.

“His mother has been a lawyer for 30 years and I have stepped into her office because I have a principle,” he said.

Faal is yet to publicly respond to Martin’s allegations.

By Adama Makasuba