The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has dismissed concerns over the alleged lavish lifestyle of President Bola Tinubu and other public officials.
Adedeji made the remarks during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, while responding to questions from journalist Seun Okinbaloye about the lifestyles of political office holders amid the economic challenges confronting Nigerians.
The discussion came amid growing public debate over government spending and the lifestyles of political leaders, particularly as citizens continue to grapple with rising living costs and economic pressures.
Responding to questions about the President’s movements and reported use of luxury vehicles, Adedeji claimed that Tinubu usually walks from his residence to his office and only uses a vehicle when travelling to the airport.
He also claimed that the President eats only once a day and had not travelled outside Nigeria in the past three months.
Defending the President against allegations of extravagance, Adedeji said Tinubu’s lifestyle did not reflect that of someone living lavishly despite his position as President.
According to him, “Mr President goes from home to office on foot, not even driving except when he is going to the airport. I don’t know where you see the convoy. Before he became president, what is he riding?
“How much is an Escalade that the President of Nigeria cannot afford? Please don’t embarrass this country.
“What is living large? In the last months, he has not even left the shores of this country, trekking and working. If you go there now, you will see him review one document or the other.
“So what is living large? The President eats once in a day. How many parties have you seen him at in the last three years? Tell me where you have seen him, whether on holiday or anywhere?”
Adedeji’s comments come as the Federal Government continues to face scrutiny over public spending and the perceived lifestyles of political office holders amid the country’s economic difficulties.
