By: Binta Jaiteh
Lawyer Assan Martin, spokesperson for the Coalition Mediation Committee (CMC), has dismissed statements linking him to allegations of bribery, inducement and promises of money or positions in connection with the opposition coalition process.
Martin made the remarks in an interview with West Coast Radio responding to comments attributed to CMC Chairman Yerro Mballow during interviews on the Bitilo platform and the Wake of Gambia Show on Star FM.
He said he was “surprised and deeply concerned” by statements that appeared to associate him with alleged attempts to induce individuals in connection with the CMC.
Martin categorically denied ever agreeing to, requesting, offering or discussing any such inducement with Mballow or anyone else.
“Do not associate my name, character, or reputation with any allegation of bribery, inducement, payment, or promise that I have not made or participated in,” he said.
He challenged Mballow to clarify whether there had been any discussion between them involving money, positions or other forms of inducement.
“Allah is my witness. I therefore ask you directly: Can you swear before Allah and on the Qur’an that I was ever induced, promised money, offered a position, or promised anything whatsoever by anyone in connection with this matter?” Martin asked Mballow.
He also questioned what he described as attempts to attach a third-party narrative to his name without factual evidence.
“Who can buy me, and for how much? What is my worth?” he asked.
Martin said he would not accept what he described as an unfounded narrative being associated with his reputation, insisting that he had no involvement in any alleged bribery or inducement.
He urged Mballow to reconsider and correct any statement that may have created an impression of his involvement in such conduct.
Martin further called for discussions surrounding the opposition coalition process to be based on evidence and facts rather than assumptions or statements attributed to third parties.
“Let us deal with the truth, evidence, and facts—not assumptions, speculation, or third-party stories,” he said.
He maintained that his position was ultimately about protecting his integrity and reputation, adding that he expected his name to be treated with the same respect he accords others.
Martin serves as spokesperson and media contact for the Coalition Mediation Committee, which selected Talib Ahmed Bensouda as its flag bearer.