News Story

BRIDGEWATER, NEW JERSEY: FROM NEW PEOPLE CORRESPONDENT: This article is an open question to the Vice-President. In the spirit of transparency and zero tolerance for corruption, The New People would like the Vice President to respond to this question in public. Following a tip-off from two Sierra Leoneans in the real estate business in New Jersey, The New People investigative team was led to the site of a brand new $1 million dollar home in Bridgewater, Somerset County, New Jersey.

The 2 story, 4 bedroom house, which sits on a 1.23 acre lot, has just been completed and due for closing any time soon. The house sits at the end of a cul-de-sac. There is a deck on the master bedroom which is located on the second floor. It has a three car garage, brick and vinyl exterior, and a central air-conditioning unit. It also has ceramic tile and wood flooring. The master bedroom has a jacuzzi and jetted tub as well as a hot water bath. The kitchen has an island, breakfast bar, and in-built stainless steel appliances.

It is alleged that the vice president's visit has been timed to meet the time of closing on the property. The real estate agents preferred to remain anonymous, but proudly displayed the property as one of their signature constructions after the investigative team presented itself as a committed buying team.

The team has also tried to reach the Public Relations Director of the All Peoples Congress (APC) party in North America, Mr. Foday Mansaray, on 732-619-0297. It is thought that Mr. Mansaray is in the company of the Vice president and his delegation or he may have access to the Vice-President in order to get a firm confirmation or denial of the allegation. It is however awkward that a vice-presidential visit should be focused around New Jersey rather than Washington, DC, which is the seat of political power and where the Vice-president is likely to meet policy makers and the US political leadership. It is also awkward that Mr. Mansaray, who is rather responsive to e-mails and telephone calls has failed to respond to our enquiries up to the time of going to press. Whatever the truth of the matter may be, Sierra Leoneans are interested in a definitive confirmation or denial of the allegations. We understand that the Vice President and his wife are private citizens who were resident in the United States for a long time. But buying a house worth just over $1million US dollars 6 months after the Vice President takes office raises concerns about transparency especially as the President and his team are still hedging over whether they should or should not declare their assets fully.